ACC is proud of our robust foster program and are so thankful for people who have chosen to open their home temporarily for a pet in need. For the month of June, our foster team will be busy finding temporary housing for the dogs currently in our Brooklyn Care Center. If you can foster a large dog for a few days based on the dates below, please consider attending our virtual orientation on June 5. If you are already an ACC approved foster who wants to help with our Brooklyn dogs, please email the foster team at fosters@nycacc.org.
Take your first steps with the ACC Foster Team by signing up for one of our Virtual Foster Orientations. If you’re interested in fostering a cat click here. If you’re interested in fostering a kitten, click here. If you’re interested in fostering a dog, click here. If you’re interested in fostering Rabbits and Guinea Pigs, please take the On-Demand Virtual Orientation below and email accfosters@nycacc.org to learn more.
If you don’t see an available date that fits your schedule, check back often! We will be hosting virtual orientations at least once per month. We look forward to working with you soon!
Sunday, August 24 @ 11am
More foster orientations coming soon – stay tuned!
Sunday, August 24 @ 1:30pm
More foster orientations coming soon – stay tuned!
You can take a foster dog home the same day as the in-person orientation!
Sunday, August 10 @ 11am
More foster orientations coming soon – stay tuned!
We’re seeking compassionate fosters to open their hearts and homes for a minimum of 2 week (the longer the better!) Anyone over 18 can foster, and we provide all necessary supplies to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience.
Ready to be a hero for these pups? Please fill out our emergency foster application form (above), and our foster team will reach out to you as soon as possible.
Did you know you can easily become a guinea pig or rabbit foster by taking an on-demand virtual orientation? This orientation will go over everything you need to provide a temporary home to these fun small pets.
After you finish, please email accfosters@nycacc.org for a short quiz and to start the process of fostering!
Just about anyone! You must be at least 18 years old to participate in our Foster Program. Additionally, if you lease or rent, you must get permission from your landlord prior to signing up to foster a dog.
All ACC foster parents need to live in NYC or in proximity to NYC. Foster need to be able to self-transport to and from the shelter for vet appointments.
We work with each animal individually to find the best placement and set them up for success. The greatest need is usually for large breed dogs, adult cats, and seasonally for underage kittens (under 8 weeks old).
We will provide basic supplies for your foster pet including food, toys, cat litter, harnesses & leashes etc. We will also send you home with any medication your foster pet is on. We are available for behavior and medical support, as well as helping you find adopters for your foster pet.
We are not able to transport animals to and from foster homes unless there is an emergency, so we do require that our foster parents be able to pick up pets from one of our three full-service care centers (Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island) and be able to bring the pet back if a medical emergency arises.
We generally ask for a minimum of three or four weeks, and the maximum is open-ended. For shorter commitments, we have BoroughBreaks which allow you to take a dog out just for the day, or Straycations that help us get animals out of the shelter and into a home for a few days!
Yes you can! We do require that you separate your resident pet from your foster for the first 2 weeks. We are happy to provide advice on safe and slow introductions once the separation period is over.
Just about anyone! You must be at least 18 years old to participate in our Foster Program. Additionally, if you lease or rent, you must get permission from your landlord prior to signing up to foster a dog.
All ACC foster parents need to live in NYC or in proximity to NYC. Foster need to be able to self-transport to and from the shelter for vet appointments.
We are not able to transport animals to and from foster homes unless there is an emergency, so we do require that our foster parents be able to pick up pets from one of our three full-service care centers (Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island) and be able to bring the pet back if a medical emergency arises.
We generally ask for a minimum of three or four weeks, and the maximum is open-ended. For shorter commitments, we have BoroughBreaks which allow you to take a dog out just for the day, or Straycations that help us get animals out of the shelter and into a home for a few days!
Animal Care Centers of NYC’s (ACC) ‘BoroughBreak’ program pairs members of the community with shelter dogs for field trips! Outings can last from one hour to all day and can include a hike, a trip to the beach, a fun car ride, or even a long nap at home. Whether you already have a dog or aren’t ready to have one, it’s a great way to get your pet fix in.
The BoroughBreak program was created in order to help reduce kennel stress and provide dogs with enrichment and increased visibility. Outings give the shelter valuable insight into how the dogs behave outside a shelter environment. It’s also a great excuse to spend a day doing something new or exploring New York City.
New appointments slots are made available every week.
Check out this Instagram Reel of Isabel Klee taking Cody out for a BoroughBreak!
Discover your next furry friend right in your own neighborhood with ACC’s Foster Pet Map! This interactive tool highlights the city map with approximate locations of foster pets, making it easy to find a potential new family member close to home. Whether you’re looking for a playful pup, a cuddly kitten, or a serene senior, there’s a foster pet nearby waiting for a forever home.
ACC remains open for adoptions, drop-off of animals that require emergency medical care or that pose a public safety risk and those being dropped off by government agencies.
For hours and services at each of our locations call
(212) 788-4000, 10AM – 6PM, 7 days a week.
For help, please call (212) 788-4000
email: CommunityPets@nycacc.org
nycacc.org/services/surrender