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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Onyx
Onyx 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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Coby
Coby is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. Coby has shown signs of stress and reluctance during his walks, frequently pulling back toward the care center or refusing to continue once outside, even when coaxed by staff. Coby in the care center continues to struggle with the environment of the care center despite best efforts to keep him comfortable. Medically, Coby is currently being treated for diarrhea but is otherwise healthy.
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Chestnut
Chestnut is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Chestnut arrived at the Care Center as a stray with no known history. Chestnut was noted to initially allow handling but also head-whipped and growled during his medical exam. Chestnut has been showing concerning handling and touch sensitivity. During a handling assessment, Chestnut was noted to become tense during contact. More concerning, is Chestnut has been observed to growl and snap toward handlers when being touched around his head area. With select staff, Chestnut is social and at times will solicit contact. Additionally handlers have reported Chestnut is treat motivated and understands basic commands such as 'sit', 'paw', and 'down'. Medically, Chestnut is noted to have dental disease but is otherwise apparently healthy.
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Millie
Millie 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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Spicy
Spicy 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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Loki
Loki 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. 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. He displays signs of petting-induced aggression as well. 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, petting-induced aggression, rough play, and who have the time to invest in managing these behaviors on a consistent basis to avoid (further) bite/scratch incidents. Medically, medical records show FeBart Bartonella +4 results. This indicates that Loki has antibodies (previous exposure), but does not confirm infection. We can considering PCR testing with placement if concern persists.
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Kyle

Kyle is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. Kyle has shown escalating dog reactivity in the care center, frequently pulling toward, whining at, and lunging at passing dogs both in the building and outdoors. On walks, he tenses, vocalizes, and is unable to take treats when highly aroused, continuing to lunge even at a distance. In lower stimuli settings he can be social and playful with staff but becomes over aroused quickly, pacing, panting, and attempting to mount. Medically, Kyle has otitis externa.
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Zues
Zues is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Zues arrived at the Care Center due to his previous owners having allergies to dogs. Upon intake, Zues allowed handling and at times was loose bodied. It has been reported by Zues's previous owners that Zeus will become anxious when left alone. He has displayed anxious behavior in the care center as well, pacing, panting and seeking exit during a handling assessment. Zues has been noted to pull hard toward dogs with tense body without being able to be redirected. Zues at times has also shown reactivity to people, pulling toward people on walks; during his medical exam he was initially wiggly but became tense as medical staff approached him. Zues's previous owners report that he is smart, social with familiar people, and understands basic commands. Medically, Zues is noted to have Dermatitis, and Otitis Externa. He recently finished treatment for CIRDC.
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Houston
Houston is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. Houston has been intensely fearful and stressed in the care center, often trembling, tucking his tail, and seeking exits during sessions. He frequently presses his body against handlers for proximity while remaining tense, and becomes panicked during transitions, jumping, thrashing, or pulling away when moved toward new areas. He does not engage with treats, paces, and avoids settling in new environments. Medically, Houston is apparently healthy.
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Max
Max is at risk due to behavioral reasons. During his initially stay in the care center Max was obsvered to be fearful noted to baulk and plant while on leash. He was recently returned to the care center due to being "too much". His adopter reported that he pulled hard and caused them to fall over a few times while they were trying to handle him. During his current stay in the care center Max has been obsvered to have a low threshold for arousal, dog reactivity and rope reactivity. Max has been obsvered to become aroused and begin mouthing, mounting, and air snapping at the handler. He will also jump up and begin biting the leash and other objects that are in the yard. During one instance when seeing another dog Max turned towards the handler and began snapping at their chest. In kennel Max is also reported to bite the leash. While out with handlers Max is obsvered to be receptive to treats and will engage in training. Medically, Max is overweight.
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Romeo
Romeo 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 fear-based defensive behaviors and helping a fearful cat adjust to strangers.
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Zeyta
Zeyta is at risk due to behavioral reasons. Zeyta has been obsvered to have a low threshold for arousal. During her assessment Zeyta was obsvered to begin vocalizing, and lunging towards the handler. While out on walks Zeyta remains fixated on the handler and very quickly escalates to bucking and running around them. With other handlers she is able to be distracted with treats. Medically Zeyta is in heat and has a wound.
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Brady
Brady is at risk due to behavior concerns. His previous owner reported him to pull very hard on leash, and is anxious in the home. He also described him to be playful with children but will growl and hard bark at cats specifically. Brady has also displayed fearful defensive behavior both in the care centers and in a home environment, observed to hard bark and growl. Throughout his stay he has displayed new behaviors, sometimes inconsistently, indicating deterioration. At times he has refused to walk on the street, baulk frequently and pull hard back to the Care Center. Recently he has been reported to be finger-painting his kennel in feces and be very restless, jumping on kennel walls, barking and vocalizing. With familiar staff he has remained social and allows petting. Medically, he is noted to have dental disease but is otherwise apparently healthy.
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Zeus
Zeus is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns in his previous home. Zeus has a documented bite history involving his previous owners, consisting of quick bites or bite and release incidents during stressful situations, such as crating or exposure to barking dogs, which have reportedly not broken skin. In the care center, he has presented as fearful and avoidant, displaying tucked tail, whale eye, and attempts to seek exits during handling. He pulls on walks, hesitates when returning toward the building, and shows discomfort during close contact, but has been warming up slowly. Medically, Zeus is receiving treatment for CIRDC.
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Polar

Polar is on the at-risk list for medical reasons. Polar is a senior cat that came in matted with urine staining and scald. He has been cleaned up and his wounds are slowly healing, but he is not eating and losing weight in shelter despite supportive care. He is very fearful and spends most/all of his time hunched in one place at the back of his kennel. Polar needs placement outside the stressful shelter environment where he has space to move and hide. If his anorexia continues, he will need additional veterinary care.
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Kit Kat
Kit Kat is on the At Risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and is deteriorating in care. He is now displaying signs of boredom and frustration. 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.
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Mr.Licorice

Mr. Licorice is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Mr. Licorice arrived at the Care Center as a stray with no known history. Upon intake, Mr. Licorice was noted to be highly fearful with dilated pupils, tense body, and tucked tail. Despite efforts to keep him comfortable, Mr. Licorice has continued showing signs of high fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS). On leash, Mr. Licorice has been observed to dart, zig zag, and pace when in play-yard. At times he has been observed to watch dogs with tense body. When handlers attempt to interact with Mr. Licorice, he is reported to flinch and not be treat motivated. Medically, Mr. Licorice is noted to be underweight but is otherwise apparently healthy.
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Bun Bun
Bun Bun is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. Bun Bun has shown high arousal and difficulty with handling in the care center, frequently trying to push out out of his kennel, jumping repeatedly on handlers, and struggling to settle during walks or training sessions. He has also been reactive to other dogs at a distance. When returning to his kennel, Bun Bun often balks, thrashes, or attempts to bolt back out, requiring coaxing or food lures to secure him safely. Medically, Bun Bun is apparently healthy.
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River
River 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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Pecan Pie
Pecan Pie is at risk due to medical reasons. Pecan Pie is a sweet senior dog with severe pyoderma. He is currently on oral antibiotics and steroids but would benefit from regular bathing and topical treatments to ease his discomfort, which unfortunately is not something we can manage in the shelter. He is very friendly and allows all medical handling. Pecan Pie just needs continued veterinary care and TLC to improve his current skin condition and will require ongoing treatment for suspected underlying allergies.
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Bob
Bob is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. Bob has shown intense fear based defensive aggression in the care center, escalating to growling, baring teeth, lunging, and biting at leashes, tools, and nearby objects during handling attempts. He freezes and hard stares when outside the kennel, refuses to walk, and retreats to corners while continuing to display warning signals. Medically, Bob has dental disease.
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Bellarina
Bellarina is on the at risk list for medical concerns. Bellarina came in through an owner surrender as her owners were unable to afford vet care. On arrival at the shelter, Bellarina was diagnosed with diabetes. She has started insulin injections and is eating her diabetic diet with a very good appetite. Bellarina needs more care than we can provide at the shelter.
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Phynx
Phynx is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Phynx arrived at the Care Center as an own surrender. Her previous owner noted that Phynx is sweet, social, playful, and also crate trained. Despite efforts to keep Phynx comfortable, she has been showing concerning levels of reactivity. When being taken for walks, Phynx has been persistently trying to kennel fight and pull hard toward occupied pop-up crates. She has also shown on-leash reactivity on the street, pulling towards dogs, tense body, and is difficult to redirect. Phynx has been social with select staff, allowing petting and treat motivated. Medically, Phynx is being treated for unspecified dermatitis and CIRDC.
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Lucky
Lucky is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Lucky arrived at the Care Center as an owner surrender. Lucky was reported by his owner to be an anxious dog, but sweet and social most of the time. Despite efforts to keep him comfortable, Lucky has been showing concerning levels of fearful and defensive behaviors. Lucky has allowed only minimal handling with staff. Lucky has been reported to consistently bark, growl, and snap at the leash when staff attempt to take him for walks. Additionally when outside of the kennel, he is noted to avoid handlers attempting to engage with him socially. Handlers have noted Lucky does walk well on leash. Medically, Lucky is noted to have dental disease but is otherwise apparently healthy.
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Ash
Ash is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Ash arrived at the Care Center as an owner surrender due to housing concerns. Upon intake Ash was noted to be social with staff, allow handling, but also attempted to mount. Despite efforts to keep him comfortable at the Care Center, Ash has been showing signs of deterioration and low threshold for arousal. Ash has been reported to be banging on his transfer door and digging/scratching around the drain cover in his kennel during active and inactive room times. Additionally, Ash be noted to attempt to mount handlers during walks. Ash is treat motivated and exuberantly social with familiar staff. Medically, Ash is apparently healthy.
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