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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Sabby

Sabby is at-risk for behavioral reasons. While Sabby is a sweet cat that allows all petting and handling, her self-mutilation behaviors are persistent and not manageable in a shelter setting. Her self-mutilating behaviors were pre-existing before she came into the shelter and have continued through her initial tail amputation that occurred while still with her previous owner, as well as the revision while in shelter care. Her behavior concern points to a likely neurological pathology that will require a neurological workup, consultation with a behavior certified vet, as well as a multimodal approach (anxiolytic/psychotropic & pain meds, behavior mod., and environmental alteration) to manage her likely compulsive self-mutilation. Should no pathologies be identified, further behavioral workups should also be sought out. She will require an experienced adopter/rescue group capable of managing daily care and diagnostics to ensure that Sabby's condition and self-mutilation be controlled to manage further trauma.
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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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Kalie

Kalie is at risk due to behavioral and medical reasons. While in care, Kalie has been observed to be fearful. Noted to hard stare at handlers with pinned back ears. She is also noted to dodge the leash when handlers are attempting to leash her. During intake, Kalie was observed to lunge at strangers that we were passing by. Recently this behavior has been observed again. While being walked on the street, Kalie began growling and lunging at members of the public. Her previous owner describes her as social and affectionate. After warming up to handlers, Kalie was observed to seek contact. Medically, Kalie has anemia, CIRDC, mild-moderate dental disease, severe hip dysplasia, severe osteoarthritis, and is overweight.
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Mia

Mia is on the At Risk list due to behavior. While social in the care center, 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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Purse

Purse is on the At Risk list due to behavior. He is not thriving in the care center and is deteriorating in the Adoptions room. He is now displaying signs of defensive aggression. 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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Casa

Casa 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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Catson

Catson 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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Brucie

Brucie is at risk due to behavioral reasons. While in care, Brucie has been observed to be fearful. Noted to headwhip, snap, thrash, and balk when returning to kennel. Recently Brucie has also been observed to be reactive while on leash. Noted to fixate on people and pull towards them while on the street. This behavior is not easily redirected. With familiar handlers, Brucie allows petting and has a neutral body. Medically, Brucie has CIRDC, mild-moderate dental disease, is overweight, and has a wound.
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Ethan

Ethan is at risk due to behavioral reasons. Ethan arrived at MACC following a bite incident that resulted in broken skin. Ethan was fed next to another dog which resulted in the two dogs getting into an altercation. When someone attempted to separate the dogs, they got bitten on the left forearm. They are unsure which dog bit them on the arm. While in care, Ethan has been observed to fixate on other dogs with a forward body and high wagging tail. When greeting another dog through the gate Ethan is tense with a tight closed mouth. With handlers, Ethan will engage in a game of fetch and allows contact. Medically, Ethan has a bite wound, localized demodicosis, mild- moderate dental disease, unspecified dermatitis, lameness in the left front, and is underweight.
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Kobi

Kobi is on the at risk for medical reasons. Kobi was diagnosed with asthma prior to surrender and is on an inhaler. This is typically a chronic disease in cats. Kobi will need continued care throughout his life. Clinically, Kobi is stable at this time and allows handling.
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Shrub

Shrub is at risk due to behavior concerns. Shrub has demonstrated on-leash reactivity and has been reported to pull hard enough to choke himself and has required a harness for safer management. When seeing dogs, Shrub will fixate, become tense, pull strongly toward them, and vocalize loudly, and has difficulty being redirected. He has also displayed mouthy and jumpy behavior during leash placement, including attempting to mouth the leash and handler's hand. Shrub is noted to be social with handler, seeking attention and allowing petting. Medically, Shrub is noted to have Vomit/diarrhea episode.
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Maxime

Maxime is at risk due to behavior concerns. During her time in the care center Maxime has been observed to be very reactive to dogs. She has been observed to bark and growl at other dogs and pull very hard to get to them in kennel. This behavior is hard to redirect due to both her strength and level of reactivity. She is noted to pull very hard. At times she has to be muscled out of rooms as she fixates on the dogs in kennels. She is noted to be social with handlers and has engaged in training here. Medically, Maxime has Otitis Externa and Pyoderma.
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Bubbles

Bubbles is at risk due to behavior concerns. Bubble is noted to frequently attempts to bite and tug the leash, with staff reporting increased intensity and episodes where redirection is unsuccessful. He also fixates and pulls intensely toward neighboring dogs, at times nearly causing himself to pass out, and may kennel fight. Bubbles is noted to be social with handlers and allows petting. Medically, Bubbles is Apparently Healthy.
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Mae

Mae 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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Tenzin

Tenzin is at risk due to behavioral reasons. Tenzin arrived at the care center following a bite incident. Tenzin was fed next to another dog, which resulted in the two dogs beginning to fight. When someone attempted to separate them, they got bitten on the left forearm. They are unsure which dog bit them on the arm. While in care, Tenzin has been observed to be loose and wiggly with handlers and is noted to solicit attention. However, on leash Tenzin has been reported to fixate on a small dog and present with a tense body when greeting another dog through the gate. Medically, Tenzin has unspecified dermatitis and otitis externa.
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Brownie

Brownie is at risk due to his behavior concerns. Brownie has not adjusted well to the care center environment is noted to alert bark and jump at handlers and was reported to lunge toward the handler when being returned to his kennel. Brownie is noted to allow petting and will display a wagging tail. Medically, Brownie has Otitis Externa.
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Vanilla Froyo

Vanilla Froyo is at risk due to his behavior concerns. In the care center Vanilla Froyo has shown fearfulness such as a lowered and tense body , trembling, difficulty engaging with handlers, and inconsistent reactions to people and environmental stimuli, including lunging toward a passing bicyclist. He has also thrashed when being removed from his kennel, head-whipped when handling was attempted, and has been observed biting the kennel bars hard enough to break them. He will solicits brief petting from handlers. Medically, Vanilla Froyo has Alopecia and CIRDC.
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Bruce

Bruce is at risk due to behavioral concerns from his previous home and behaviors during his stay in care. Bruce's previous owner reported general anxiety, resource guarding, handling sensitivity, and reactivity toward people and dogs. During his stay in care, Bruce has displayed similar behaviors. He has escalated to lunging at people and other dogs during walks and can be difficult to refocus his fixation. He has also been reported to jump at the second person who accompanies the main handler walking him to assist in managing his reactivity. His previous owner reported that he enjoys lounging on the couch to watch TV and going on long walks. Bruce has recently begun to kennel fight with other dogs as he passes their room. Medically. Bruce is apparently healthy.
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Carlito

Carlito is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Carlito has shown significant kennel stress, including barking, jumping at the kennel door, launching off the kennel walls, and difficulty settling. He has also displayed leash biting when being returned to his kennel, but is able to be distracted at times.. Carlito has shown improvement with familiar handlers, engaging well with treats and pattern games, and allowing petting but is still struggling in the care center. Medically, Carlito is apparently healthy.
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Waffle Fry

Waffly fry in on the at-risk list for medical concerns. He is a young cat and is not eating in shelter due to an upper respiratory tract infection and high stress. He has not allowed much handling for treatment purposes while in care. He needs placement in a quiet home to recover.
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Amaru

Amaru is at risk due to behavioral concerns in care. He has been observed repeatedly jumping on handlers, jumping on and off during walks, and pulling heavily on leash. In one instance Amaru was pulling excessively on the leash and jumping onto the handler, he jumped towards a passing staff member and grabbed onto their sweater sleeve, he was pulling and tugging on the sweater; when attempting to use an alternate object to redirect him Amaru turned and attempted to snap at the first handler. Staff reports kennel stress-related behaviors, jumping and barking at his kennel door. Amaru is noted to be social with handlers and enjoys being pet. Medically, Amaru is apparently healthy.
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King Biscuit

King Biscuit is at risk due to behavioral reasons. King was rehomed due to the behaviors he was presented in his original home. His previous owner stated that there were two dog fights and a bite incident that occurred in the home. The bite incident broke skin and resulted in bruising on the owner's leg. While in care, King has been observed to be highly fearful. Noted to have a tense body and low tail. Over time, King has warmed up to handlers recently presenting with a neutral body and allows contact. Medically, King is underweight.
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Pidgit

Pidgit is on the At Risk list for medical concerns. Pidgit has significant anemia and a severe fracture of the right femur bone. She needs an amputation of the leg, but due to her anemia, she needs a blood transfusion before her surgical intervention. She is also emaciated. She needs urgent care and support.
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Polo

Polo is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Polo has shown significant kennel stress and high arousal, including persistent barking and screeching, jumping repeatedly on handlers, and kennel fighting when exiting the kennel room. His jumping has been difficult to redirect at times and has left bruising on a handler. Polo has shown improvement over time and responds well to pattern games, allowing him to disengage from other kennels and refocus on handlers. He has also been observed walking with a loose leash, checking in frequently, and remaining social with handlers but is struggling to acclimate at times. Medically, Polo is apparently healthy.
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Didi

Didi is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Didi has shown significant kennel stress and high arousal, including persistent spinning, bouncing off the kennel walls, jumping, barking, and hypersalivating. Didi has also shown fixation around food, becoming difficult to redirect from a handler's treat pouch, as well as hard pulling toward people and other kennels. Outside of the kennel, Didi is able to settle with distance, engage in training, and has shown the ability to walk with a neutral body and loose leash. Medically, Didi is apparently healthy.
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