At-Risk Animals

Thank you for your interest in adopting from Animal Care Centers of NYC. Our At-Risk List is posted three times a week, on the evenings of Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 6:00PM and remains viewable for 42 hours.

Schedule overview:
Animals posted at 6:00PM on Sunday evening will be viewable until Tuesday at 12:00PM noon.
Animals posted at 6:00PM on Tuesday evening will be viewable until Thursday at 12:00PM noon.
Animals posted at 6:00PM on Thursday evening will be viewable until Saturday at 12:00PM noon.

To find out the status of at-risk animals, please visit the At-Risk Outcomes page.

If this is your first time visiting this site, please read the below information carefully.

For anyone who wishes to adopt, there is a mandatory deposit fee of $200 plus a transaction fee per animal to place an adoption reservation. The $200 covers $50 toward the adoption fee and $150 for the spay/neuter deposit. If the animal has already been spayed or neutered or is permanently waived by one of our veterinarians, the $150 deposit will be refunded at the time of the adoption. If the animal does need to leave without being spayed or neutered due to his/her medical condition, the $150 deposit will be refunded at the time they are brought back for the spay/neuter surgery or when proof of sterilization being done elsewhere is provided to ACC. If you do not follow through with the adoption, the entire $200 deposit will be considered a charitable donation to ACC's Special Treatment and Recovery Fund (STAR). Also, if the adoption fee for an animal is less than $50, the difference will be considered a charitable donation to the STAR Fund. Similarly, in-shelter pricing promotions do not apply to at-risk animals.

To complete an adoption, please click reserve on the animal of your choice. That animal will be loaded in your cart and you will have 15 minutes to complete the adoption process. In order to complete your reservation, you need to check out (top right corner). At this point, you will enter in your credit card information and a receipt will be emailed to you as confirmation of your reservation. If you have any issues, please email adopt@nycacc.org for help navigating the website.

If you are interested in fostering/adopting through one of our New Hope partners, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/ozHex3uqvNkQt2dq9

At-Risk Animals

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Storm
Storm is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Storm was returned to the shelter due to housing concerns. Her previous owner noted that Storm has a bite history to another dog. Several years ago, Storm and her owner were at the dog park when a dog, similar in size to Storm bit Storm's owner on the leg. Storm proceeded to bite the other dog on the neck, held on and shook. Storm released when told to 'drop it'. Storm is also reported to resource guard her toys and treats. In shelter Storm has been reported to be on leash reactive to dogs during walks and when passing kennels. Storm has begun to show signs of kennel deterioration as well - scratching consistently at her transfer door, and panting persistently in kennel. With staff and in a recent handling assessment Storm has been highly social with staff; approaching handlers readily and allowing all contact with a wiggly body. Medically, Storm is noted to be underweight but is otherwise apparently healthy.
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Hazel
Hazel is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Hazel's previous owner noted she is friendly and outgoing. Upon arrival Hazel was noted to be social with staff, allowed handling and understood basic commands such as 'sit' and 'paw'. While in the kennel environment Hazel was initially fearful of handlers approaching her in kennel, but she has shown significant improvement in sociability. Despite these improvements, Hazel has been kennel reactive, while not consistent, when she shows reactivity to dogs in kennels- at times she will lunge with a tense body while hard barking. She also has been observed to visually fixate on dogs in top kennels above her own. Outside of the kennel environment Hazel continues to be social and treat receptive to handlers. Medically Hazel has undetermined allergies, alopecia, otitis chronic, and pyoderma.
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Jasper
Jasper is on the at-risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. He has not warmed up despite staff using treats to build a positive association. Due to his stress levels, it is in his best interest to move out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as quickly as possible. He would do best in a home with adopters who are willing to give him plenty of time and space to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers.
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Melbin
Melbin is on the At Risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. He has not warmed up despite staff using treats to build a positive association. Due to his stress levels, it is in his best interest to move out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as quickly as possible. He would do best in a home with adopters who are willing to give him plenty of time and space to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers. Melbin has been diagnosed with a grade three heart murmur and has missing teeth. He is also developing an upper respiratory infection with conjunctivitis.
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Taquito Chiquito

Taquito Chiquito is on the At-Risk list due to behavior. She is not thriving in the care center and continues to display challenging behavior during interactions. She is extremely intelligent and high energy and needs to expend energy constructively with interactive play sessions 3-4X/day. In addition to playtime, this cat would also benefit from mental exercise from activities such as puzzle toys/games, lick mats, or clicker training. Without providing activity for his/her mind and body, the cat may react with rough play, potentially resulting in bite/scratch incidents. It is in her best interest to move out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as quickly as possible. She would do best in a home with adopters who are willing to give her plenty of time and space to adjust, and who have experience with feline body language, overstimulation, rough play, and who have the time to invest in managing these behaviors on a consistent basis to avoid bite/scratch incidents.
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Gooseberry
Gooseberry is at-risk due to distance-increasing behaviors. She is currently lunging, swatting, and hissing toward staff, which makes routine care such as cleaning and feeding difficult to complete. Gooseberry currently does not tolerate any form of touch and becomes highly stressed during interactions. Due to her under socialization and shelter stress, it is recommended that she be placed into a stable home environment with experienced adopters that are willing to slowly work with her. Medically, she had mild ocular discharge, on intake, and she is underweight.
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Batman
Batman is on the at-risk list due to medical concerns. He has developed a severe URI, conjunctivitis, and has become anorexic. We have been implementing supportive care and have now started him on IV medications, but he has lost weight and his symptoms are significant. He needs more care outside the shelter environment where he can heal and recover. Batman has allowed all handling and has been head bunting during his treatments. Batman needs more care than is possible in a shelter setting.
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Spaghetti
Spaghetti is on the at-risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. He has not warmed up despite staff using treats to build a positive association. Due to his stress levels, it is in his best interest to move out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as quickly as possible. He would do best in a home with adopters who are willing to give him plenty of time and space to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers.
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Tru Fu
Tru Fu is on the at-risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. He has not warmed up despite staff using treats to build a positive association. Due to his stress levels, it is in his best interest to move out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as quickly as possible. He would do best in a home with adopters who are willing to give him plenty of time and space to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers.
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Boulder
Boulder is on the at-risk list due to medical concerns. Boulder is a friendly, young LMB who was brought to the shelter as a stray. Boulder has noisy breathing sounds consistent with upper airway disease.  Enlarged laryngeal saccules were noted on sedated oral exam.  On x-rays there are mild signs of lower airway inflammation and chronic otitis. His clinical signs have improved following inflammatory medication. Boulder has also completed treatment for a urinary tract infection and an ear infection.  Boulder will need follow up veterinary care to further assess and manage his respiratory condition.  Boulder has allowed all handling and seeks attention during their exams.
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March
March is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, March displays significant fear, including trembling, freezing, leaning away from handlers, and sensitivity to touch, head whipping when attempted to be handled. March is able to be leashed and will move through the care center, but is intensely fearful and struggling to acclimate. Medically, March has Otitis externa in his left ear.
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Santi
Santi is at risk due to medical concerns. Santi is a senior dog with multiple comorbidities, including a right forelimb lameness possibly due to osteoarthritis; suspected neurologic signs in all four legs with an unknown cause; and multiple suspected benign skin masses. Behaviorally, she has allows social handling and does well with training, but becomes tense and has growled and snapped with more extensive medical handling and neuro/orthopedic exam. Santi needs regular vet care, a quiet, low stress environment to help her move comfortably and enjoy her senior years.
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Mystique
Mystique is on the at-risk list due to behavior. She is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. She has not warmed up despite staff using treats to build a positive association. Due to her stress levels, it is in her best interest to move out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as quickly as possible. She would do best in a home with adopters who are willing to give her plenty of time and space to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers.
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Miranda
Miranda is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Miranda arrived at the Care Center with limited history. Miranda was found tied to a staircase in a building. When a member of the public turned the corner without seeing her, Miranda was apparently startled, bit and released the person on the calf leaving a single puncture wound. Initially when in care, Miranda was noted to be highly fearful, reported to become tense and whale eyed when handlers approached her. Miranda has also noted have snap towards a handler when seemingly try to solicit contact. With time and a slow approach, Miranda has warmed up to staff. Miranda is now easily leashed, is social with staff, allows petting, and is treat receptive. Medically, Miranda is being treated for CIRDC, has Brachycephalic Syndrome, has Dental Disease, and is overweight.
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Coconut Jelly

Coconut Jelly is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Coconut Jelly arrived at MACC as a stray with no known history. Upon intake Coconut Jelly was fearful but warmed up to handlers quickly and allowed all contact for a medical exam. Unfortunately, Coconut Jelly has been struggling with a decreasing threshold for arousal. She has been noted to frequently jump up, bite the leash and at times mouth handlers arms. This behavior was also noted outside of shelter. She is not able to be redirected easily. With handlers and when not over-threshold, Coconut Jelly remains highly social with staff and treat motivated. Medically, Coconut Jelly is apparently healthy.
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Baby Boo
Baby Boo is on the At Risk list due to behavior. Her owner describes her as a friendly, affectionate, very active, playful, talkative, couch potato, who prefers contact on her own terms. She is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. Due to her stress levels, it is in her best interest to move out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as quickly as possible. She would do best in a home with adopters who are willing to give her plenty of time and space to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers. Baby Boo is apparently healthy.
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Lil Baby
Lil Baby is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Lil Baby displays persistent jumping on handlers, leash biting, and pulling, along with kennel fighting behaviors when entering and exiting the kennel. He requires frequent refocusing and can become overly aroused during handling. Lil Baby is highly social, engages easily with handlers, and responds well to treats intermittently, but is struggling in the care center. Medically, Lil Baby has Otitis externa.
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Lena
Lena is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Lena was returned to the shelter due to reported mouthiness and defensive behaviors reported in the home. Lena's previous adopter reported that Lena will snap at them when trying to give oral medications and in one instance snapped when waking from a nap. No contact was reported. In care Lena has been social with staff, seeking contact, and walks well on leash. Despite being reported to be highly social during her handling assessment, Lena continues to show mouthiness and poor bite inhibition; noted to mouth a handler in her assessment with enough pressure to leave a mark (no broken skin). Lena has also been reported to grab a staff members pant leg through the kennel bars. Medically, Lena is apparently healthy.
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Jax
Jax is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Jax arrived at the Care Center with limited history via police. The officers were responding to wellness check of an unconscious person presumed to be Jax's owner. When one of the officers approached, Jax lunged, bit and released one of the officers on the hand leaving a minor puncture wound. Since arriving in care Jax has been slow to warm up and is selective with staff. At times noted to growl with tense body and refuse walking for handlers that attempt to remove him from kennel. With time, and a slow approach Jax has warmed up to select staff, allows petting, understands 'sit', and takes treats gently. Medically, Jax is apparently healthy.
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Cosmo
Cosmo is at risk for behavior reasons. Cosmo has begun to deteriorate in care, leash-biting persistently when being removed and returned to kennel making him a potential bite risk. Once he is walked further away from the shelter, he is able to relax and engage with staff. Medically, he is apparently healthy.
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Ava

Ava is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Ava displays fearful behavior, including a low body, tucked tail, shaking, and avoidance of handlers, often staying near exits and not readily approaching at times. She may bark on approach but remains fearful and hesitant during some interactions. Ava is able to walk outside, explore her environment, and will approach handlers on her own terms when given the choice to, but struggles to acclimate in the care center environment. Medically, Ava has Bilateral otitis externa and Significant dental attrition and is being treated for pneumonia currently.
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Freckles
Freckles is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Freckles displays high arousal concerns, including lunging at dogs, grabbing and tugging at treat pouches and clothing, and barking with rapid escalation when startled. He also shows difficulty regulating when excited or when food is present. Freckles is able to engage in training activities and tolerates handling, but is struggling to regulate his arousal levels in the care center on his own. Medically, Freckles is apparently healthy.
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Miles
Miles is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Miles displays high level of anxiety including behaviors like jumping, spinning, running in repetitive patterns, and vocalizing, along with fixation on dogs and difficulty settling once aroused. Miles when first entering care has been fearful, avoiding select staff. Miles is social with select handlers, seeks out contact, and engages with the environment and enrichment but is struggling to regulate in the care center. Medically, Miles is underweight.
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Anakin
Anakin is on the at-risk list due to medical concerns. Anakin is a friendly cat who was surrendered due his owner passing away. We have assessed that Anakin has multiple health concerns. Anakin has a mass in his abdomen that is likely a malignant cancer, as well as some right eye abnormalities that do not seem to bother him currently. Given his ongoing medical concerns, it is likely that Anakin will be receiving palliative care with placement as his condition is likely not curable, although follow up with a veterinarian is recommended to ensure he is comfortable. Anakin is very sweet and has allowed all handling and seeks attention during their exams.
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Winter
Winter is on the at-risk list due to behavior. She is not thriving in the care center and continues to display distance-increasing behavior when approached for interactions. She has not warmed up despite staff using treats to build a positive association. Due to her stress levels, it is in her best interest to move out of the kennel environment and into a stable home as quickly as possible. She would do best in a home with adopters who are willing to give her plenty of time and space to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers. Winter is now beginning to accept treats and she has responded positively to gabapentin.
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