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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Princess Leia
Princess Leia 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. While she has made improvements behaviorally, her threshold for physical touch is still limited and she will play rough and overstimulate quickly. 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 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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Leo
Leo is on the At Risk list due to behavior. While social and friendly with caretakers in the care center, Leo's behavior contrasts significantly in a home as he has a multiple bite/scratch history related to redirected aggression and overstimulation. 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. Also, Leo is now obese; he has gained 10 lbs in shelter over the last year, 7 lbs of which were gained in the last 5 months.
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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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Shock
Shock is on the at-risk list due to medical and behavior concerns. 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/her plenty of time and space to adjust, and who have experience with helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers. Shock may also have diabetes mellitus based on persistent marked hyperglycemia, glucosuria, and reported increased thirst and urination, versus severe in-shelter stress. He will require further diagnostics and medical management after placement. His significant FAS with handling makes additional diagnostics, and possible diabetic treatment and monitoring challenging.
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Oreo Girl
Oreo Girl 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 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 (further) bite/scratch incidents.
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Sleepy
Sleepy 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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Nelly
Nelly 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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Professor
Professor is on the at-risk list due to behavior. While social in the shelter with familiar caretakers, Professor has a bite/scratch history. 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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Udon

Udon is on the at-risk list for medical reasons. He is a sweet, young adult cat with a severe upper respiratory infection. He is not eating and needs supportive care in a veterinary clinic in order to recover. Behaviorally, Udon is caustious to accept pets due to FAS but he will tolerate handling for medical treatments.
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Lodi
Lodi is at risk for behavior reasons. Lodi was living in a busy environment and escalated to biting several times. None of the bites broke the skin. At times, she was in possession of a high value item when she has escalated to biting. She has been highly fearful in care. Medically, she is currently in heat but otherwise a healthy dog.
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Superstar
Superstar is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Superstar was returned to the Care Centers following a bite incident related to resource guarding behavior that resulted in two punctures. He has also been reported to escalate to snapping when uncomfortable, both in his previous home and while in the Care Centers. Outside of these concerns, Superstar has been social with staff, and his previous owner described him as social and affectionate. Medically, Superstar has dental disease and maloccclussion.
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Toasty
Toasty is at risk due to behavioral reasons. While in care, Toasty has been observed to be highly fearful. Noted to hard bark and growl at handlers while in kennel. With contact, Toasty becomes tense and will headwhip before moving away and creating distance. With familiar handlers and a slow approach, Toasty will solicit contact and engage with training. Medically, Toasty is apparently healthy.
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Tuna
Tuna 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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Duke
Duke is at risk due to behavior concerns. Despite best efforts, Duke has not acclimated to his time in care. He remains fearful and avoidant of handling and will lip lick, whale eye, and actively seek exit during handling attempts. In his previous home, Duke is reported to have bitten a family member's hand after becoming nervous. The bite did not break skin but caused swelling. He also attempted to bite through the muzzle during his medical exam. Duke's previous owners described him as social, affectionate, active, and playful. Medically, Duke is apparently healthy.
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Fenty
Fenty is at risk for behavior concerns. She displays on-leash reactivity, fearfulness, and hypervigilance that make it difficult for her to acclimate to a shelter setting. Fenty is significantly on-leash reactive and has been observed barking, howling, yelping, jumping, thrashing, leash biting, and alligator rolling when seeing unfamiliar dogs and people. She is fearful and hypervigilant when exiting the kennel rooms, walking through the hallways, and when in the behavior office and will vocalize, whine, and pace when hearing other dogs. During her medical exam, Fenty is described as showing signs of hyperarousal- pulling, environmental vigilance- as well as being mildly skittish. Fenty has displayed social behaviors with select staff members and will solicit petting with a loose frame. Her previous owners describe her as sweet and affectionate. Medically, Fenty is diagnosed with CIRDC.
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Milo Bear
Milo is at risk due to behavioral reasons. While in care, Milo has been observed to be fearful and have a low threshold for arousal. Noted to jump up and bite the leash and fixate on it when handlers are attempting to leash him. Milo was also previously observed to mount handlers throughout their walk. Throughout his stay, Milo has displayed fearful behavior towards handlers, which has escalated to growling. He is also observed to balk while on leash and needs coaxing to continue. With familiar handlers, Milo will have a loose and wiggly body when they approach and will take treats exuberantly. Medically, Milo is healthy at this time.
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Midnight
Midnight is at risk due to behavioral reasons. In his previous home, Midnight was reported to escalate to biting when in the possession of toys and other items and when the owner attempted to groom him. Midnight would escalate to snapping or biting when they attempted to bath him, brush his coat, or touch the matted hair. During intake, Midnight was observed to bare teeth, growl, and lunge towards handlers. While in care, Midnight is noted to dodge the leash while baring teeth. Midnight's previous owner describes him as a couch potato that enjoys car rides. Medically, Midnight has nuclear sclerosis and CIRDC.
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Rocky
Rocky is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Rocky has shown fearful and defensive behavior during handling, including growling and reportedly biting staff when being picked up from his kennel. Rocky has also shown the ability to tolerate handling with a towel, allowing staff to pick him up and return him to his kennel without further issue and is improving with handling slowly, but still is extremely fearful in the care center. Medically, Rocky has moderate dental disease and an ear infection.
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Violeta

Violeta 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 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 further bite/scratch incidents.
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Sevyn
Sevyn is at risk for behavior reasons. Sevyn is highly fearful in the care center and not allowing for handling. She will bare her teeth and snap at the leash when they attempt to remove her from kennel. Sevyn has a previous bite which did not break the skin. The stressful shelter environment is making it difficult for her to warm up. Medically, she is a healthy dog.
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Parma Reggiano
Parma Reggiano is at risk due to behavioral reasons. In his previous home, Parma was reported to lunge at people and the resident cat in the home. He was also noted to mouth the adopter, their clothing, and jumped up and bit them twice. These bites did not break skin. While in care, Parma will engage in agility training and is receptive to treats. Medically, Parma has CIRDC and has a wound.
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Milo
Milo 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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Spike
Spike is at risk due to behavioral reasons. In his previous home Spike was observed to be reactive to the resident dog. He would lunge and snap at the resident dog and snap at whoever would pull him away from the dog. It was stated that Spike had poor impulse control and would jump up on strangers while barking at them. In the care center, Spike has engaged well with dogs during playgroup with a loose and wiggly body. He greets staff with soft body, enjoys time in the yard, and rest his body on staff for pets. Spike is known to be reactive to dogs in the kennel but has been non-reactive to dogs or people on walks. Medically, Spike is healthy at this time.
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Chu Chu
Chu Chu 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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Nova Star
Nova Star is at risk due to behavior concerns in the previous home and during her stay in care. In her previous home, Nova Star is reported to have initiated multiple altercations with the other resident dog without clear warnings or triggers, which resulted in bites to both dogs. In care, Nova Star has been struggling to acclimate despite best efforts to keep her comfortable. In quiet, calmer settings, she will approach multiple handlers for pets but quickly becomes overwhelmed and will begin pacing around the room. She intermittently has to be carried out of her crate as she will baulk/pancake in the hallway. Medically, Nova Star has CIRDC and healing wounds.
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