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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Octopus
Octopus 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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Stallone
Stallone is on the At Risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display challenging behavior during interactions. He 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 mind and body, the cat may react with rough play, potentially resulting in bite/scratch incidents. 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 feline body language, overstimulation, rough play, and who have the time to invest in managing these behaviors on a consistent basis to avoid (further) bite/scratch incidents.
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Kara
Kara is at risk due to behavioral reasons. She has been observed to escalate to snapping, snarling, showing teeth, and vocalizing when handlers approach to leash her. Recently Kara has become reluctant to exit the kennel. When handlers attempt to touch Kara she will growl. In one instance a handler picked Kara up due to an off leash dog rapidly approaching them. Kara bit the handler on the hand, causing broken skin in several places. With handlers, Kara is receptive to a slow approach. Medically, Kara is overweight.
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Papo
Papo 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. Papo has moderate dental disease.
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Chessboard
Chessboard is on the At Risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and continues to display challenging behavior during interactions. He 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 mind and body, the cat may react with rough play, potentially resulting in bite/scratch incidents. 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 feline body language, overstimulation, rough play, and who have the time to invest in managing these behaviors on a consistent basis to avoid (further) bite/scratch incidents.
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Coraline
Coraline is on the at-risk list due to behavior. She is not thriving in the care center and while has warmed up to familiar caretakers, continues to display some 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.
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Yan Yan
Yan Yan 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. Yan Yan has moderate dental disease.
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Dr. Tom-Ato
Dr. Tom-Ato is on the At Risk list due to behavior. While he does display social behavior, he is prone to overstimulation and displays challenging behavior during interactions and in a home environment. He 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 hismind and body, the cat may react with rough play, potentially resulting in bite/scratch incidents. 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/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 further bite/scratch incidents.
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Coopsta
Coopsta is at risk due to behavioral reasons. Despite our best efforts at keeping him comfortable, Coopsta has been observed to be highly stressed while in care. Noted to finger paint his kennel with feces and has been observed to be jumping up and down. With handlers, Coopsta has been observed to be mouthy and was noted to mouth handlers when they were attempting to leash him. In one instance Coopsta was noted to snap at the lock when the handler went to place it on his kennel. While out with handlers, Coopsta is responsive and is receptive to contact. He will lean into the handler while seeking more. Medically, Coopsta is apparently healthy.
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Junebugg
Junebugg is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Junebugg has shown high arousal on walks, including jumping up and repeatedly biting at handlers' clothing and the leash. He has also displayed dog-directed reactivity, including persistent fixation and pulling toward other dogs even when distance is increased. Outside of these moments, Junebugg is social with handlers, easy to leash, responds well to treats and cues, and engages appropriately with enrichment. Medically, Junebugg is apparently healthy.
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Haribo
Haribo is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Haribo has shown high arousal on walks, including repeatedly jumping on handlers and intense leash biting. His leash biting has recently become difficult to redirect with treats or toys at times. Haribo has shown the ability to settle when with staff and is otherwise easy to leash and return to his kennel, but is struggling in the care center to acclimate. Medically, Haribo is apparently healthy.
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Dust Bunny
Dust Bunny is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Dust Bunny has shown high arousal on walks, including incessantly jumping on handlers, hard pulling, heavy panting, and persistent leash biting. He will jump up, grab, and pull down on the leash repeatedly. Dust Bunny is able to be refocused with toys at times and is very social with staff and volunteers. Medically, Dust Bunny has dermatitis and an interdigital mass.
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Millie
Millie is at risk due to behavioral reasons. While in care, Millie has been observed to be highly fearful. Noted to have a tense body, tucked tail, and maintains her distance from handlers. While on leash, Millie will balk, flail, and pull towards familiar places. Often times Millie has to be picked up and carried by handlers. Her previous owner describes her as a social and affectionate dog. With familiar handlers Millie will engage with toys, sits on your lap, enjoys being dressed up, and allows all handling. Medically, Millie is currently in heat, has shown signs of psychogenic polydipsia which we believe is due to her anxious behavior, and is otherwise is healthy at this time.
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Pumpkin Muffin
Pumpkin Muffin is at risk due to behavior concerns. During her time in the care center, she has been noted to have a low threshold for arousal. She has been noted to rapidly exit her kennel, spin, jump, and attempt to bite the leash. During her intake it was noted Pumpkin Muffin growled when new people approached her. As she seltted she accepts petting, enjoys sits beside her handlers, and leans against their legs for pets. Pumpkin Muffin greets handlers with loose with wagging tail. Readily takes treats and eagerly responds to verbal cues with positive reinforcement. Medically, Pumpkin Muffin is apparently healthy.
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Dasher
Dasher is at risk due to behavior concerns. During her time in the care center Dasher has been noted to lunge, bare teeth and hard bark at handlers when they pass by her kennel. While she was staying in a crate the same behavior was seen causing her crate to move forward when dogs would pass. She has been noted to become tense, hover over her food, and hard bark when handlers approach. Dasher reportedly pulled hard and showed the hard barking behavior in her previous home but owner noted Dasher had no issues with other dogs. While waiting for a kennel space to be made at intake Dasher was seen lying next to two yorkies cuddling with them. With handlers she has been noted to participate in agility training and knows the cues “sit” and “paw:”. Dasher enjoys pets and engages for treats. Medically, Dasher was recently treated for diarrhea but is otherwise healthy.
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Duncan
Duncan is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Duncan has shown fearful behavior, including attempting to flee during leashing, a tucked tail, pinned ears, lowering his body, flinching at sudden sounds, and some avoidance of handlers. Duncan has shown improvement over time and will seek attention, lean into handlers for petting, accept treats, and tolerate handling, but still struggles to acclimate in the care center. Medically, Duncan is apparently healthy.
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Shine Bright Like A Diamond
Shine Bright Like a Diamond is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, she has shown fearful and high-arousal behavior, including hard pulling, balking at sudden sounds, and trying to push out kennel when being leashed. She was also reported to lunge toward a staff member’s face through her crate. Shine Bright Like a Diamond is generally easy to leash and has been able to return to her kennel safely without issue. Medically, she is apparently healthy.
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Nika
Nika 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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Baby Face
Baby Face 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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Whiskey
Whiskey is on the At-Risk list due to behavior. When first arriving at the Care Center, Whiskey would hiss at staff and was not open to engaging with enrichment or having interactions. Since the duration of his stay, Whiskey has begun escalating to swatting and lunging out of his hiding spot. This behavior has made it difficult for staff to safely clean his kennel as he is very quick to escalate. 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 and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers. Medically, Whiskey has mild-moderate dental disease.
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Jester
Jester is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Jester has shown high levels of stress and defensive behavior when returning to his kennel, including whipping around toward handlers, lunging, hard barking, baring his teeth, pacing, and heavy panting. Jester continues to struggle to settle once returned to his kennel and can become difficult to safely handle at times. Jester enjoys going out for walks and playing fetch. Medically, Jester is apparently healthy.
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Jack Jack
Jack Jack is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Jack Jack has shown high arousal on walks, including hard pulling, intermittently jumping on handlers, and difficulty settling at times. Jack Jack is highly social with handlers and has made consistent progress through training, readily engaging in basic cues, leave-it work, and trade games. Medically, Jack Jack is apparently healthy.
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Shortie
Shortie is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Shortie has shown in the care center fearful and defensive behavior, including growling, baring her teeth, lip curling, lunging, and remaining stiff and avoidant around handlers. She has also shown tense, growling, and hard barking behavior toward other dogs. Shortie has shown improvement with familiar handlers, becoming loose and social, seeking attention, engaging in toy play, and participating in training but her defensive behavior has been intense in the past. Medically, Shortie is healthy at this time. Crate, happy cocktail, clip drag leash to collar Gabe
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Solo
Solo is at risk due to behavior concerns. Solo has not acclimated well to the shelter environment, and has shown increasingly defensive behavior escalating from growling and baring teeth at staff when passing by her kennel, or while passing them on leash, to attempting to bite the hand of a staff member when being removed from her kennel. Solo has shown some social behavior with staff outside of these incidents, accepting petting and responding to simple cues. Medically, Solo is apparently healthy.
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Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler 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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