Rendering of the Bronx Animal Care Center. Image Credit: DDC.
On May 18, 2023, Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley, Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan, and Animal Care Centers of NYC Chief Executive Officer Risa Weinstock joined community members and advocates to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new Animal Care Center at 2050 Bartow Avenue in the Baychester section of the Bronx. The Animal Care Centers are overseen by the Department of Health and operated by Animal Care Centers of NYC. The new animal care center is part of the city’s efforts to help maintain a full-service animal shelter in each borough.
The $92 million new center will be a 50,000 square foot facility that will provide animal care and adoption services for animals in the Bronx. The Center will handle admissions, medical services, adoptions, and boarding for approximately 140 cats, 70 dogs, 30 rabbits, and 20 animals of other species. The facility will have pods, or smaller self-contained housing groups, to provide flexibility in housing and care options. Open areas include yards for dog adoptions, covered exercise runs, courtyards, and parking for visitors, staff, and animal transportation vehicles. The Center will also have a community space.
The Animal Care Centers of NYC ensure animals are vaccinated and micro-chipped before adoption. The organization finds placement for animals through direct adoptions and partnerships with other animal welfare organizations. For more information about the Animal Care Centers of NYC, or for info about how to adopt an animal, click here.
The Center is designed by Marvel through Design and Construction’s Excellence Program, which pre-qualifies firms for public buildings projects.
The Bronx Center is expected to open in spring 2025. The Department of Design and Construction is currently working on new Centers in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Animal Care Centers of NYC is managing the construction of the new Queens Center. The Staten Island Center was completed in October 2022.
Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare Director Alexandra Silver stated, ““Often, what’s good for animals is good for people, and it’s certainly true in this case. This new center will expand our city’s ability to care for animals in need and bring essential services to Bronx residents. It will be an important resource for community members with or looking for companion animals, as well as a hub for career, volunteer, and educational opportunities. Thank you to ACC for their dedication to NYC animals and the people who care for them, and to the advocates whose commitment and years of work helped make this project a reality.”
Animal Care Centers of NYC CEO Weinstock stated, “With great pride, we break ground today for the new animal shelter in the Bronx. Behind this milestone achievement lies the unwavering dedication of passionate advocates and tireless individuals who have worked diligently behind the scenes. Their commitment and efforts have brought us to this momentous occasion. We are building a world-class shelter where compassion, care, and hope will thrive. This shelter will serve as a sanctuary for animals in need, a place where they will receive the love, attention, and support they deserve. Together we can make a lasting impact, thanks to the incredible advocacy and unwavering dedication of those who championed this cause.”
By: Veronica Rose (Veronica is the CityLaw fellow and a New York Law School graduate, Class of 2018.)