Brooklyn’s cats and dogs might have said it was raining people on Saturday as dozens of shelter pets found their fur-ever homes at the third annual Adopt-A-Shelter-Animal event at Borough Hall.
A total of 39 dogs and cats from Animal Care Centers of New York City, the ASPCA, Heats & Bones Rescue, Badass Animal Rescue and Bideawee charmed their way into the hearts of animal-loving Brooklynites and left behind shelters and streets in favor of a lifetime of treats and cuddles.
“When New York City animal rescues are working around the clock to care for an uptick of animals in need of a home, we’re proud to host Borough Hall’s third Adopt-a-Shelter-Animal with the help of some incredible local rescues,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, in a statement.”Thank you to our partners who made the day possible, and thank you to every Brooklynite who opened their heart today and brought home a new family member.”
New York City’s shelters are slammed as post-pandemic pet adoption rates have plummeted. Rising costs of living in the city and caring for a pet have turned people away from taking in new animals, and some pet owners have been forced to surrender their beloved pets. At overloaded shelters, workers and volunteers can’t provide as much care for individual animals, especially dogs — which wears on the animals’ mental health.
“With rescue being in a dire state right now, we’re grateful to be a part of this great adoption event initiative,” said Maria Reask, marketing communications manager at Badass Animal Rescue, in a statement.
Some of Badass’ adoptable dogs have been in rescue for more than seven months, Reask added, and some had never been to an adoption event before.
Other local animal welfare organizations were on site to provide resources and information to new pet owners. Both the Brooklyn Cat Café and Flatbush Cats offer free and low-cost vet services for local pet owners — including, critically, spay and neuter surgeries to prevent more strays.
“Our vision of a compassionate and empowered community ensuring an end to the homeless cat population begins with the cooperation of so many organizations and people coming together to help our overwhelmed shelters and educate community members on available resources and how to help,” said Anne Levin, executive director of the Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition and founder of the Brooklyn Cat Café. “We are excited to participate in this event and share in the borough president’s appreciation for all who have come out today.”
The ACC also offers help for New Yorkers struggling to care for their pets, including free or low-cost vet care, funding for emergency medical care, supplies, and help for those struggling with landlord issues.
“We are at the height of kitten season, the time of year during the warmer months when there’s a surge of newborn kittens requiring specialized, intensive care, adding to the strain on many animal welfare organizations that are already struggling with capacity and animals staying longer once there,” said Delia Kurland, senior director of operations at the ASPCA Adoption Center & Kitten Nursery. “The ASPCA is focused on providing specialized care to the animals who need us most and we are proud to support our longstanding partner Animal Care Centers of NYC at this challenging time. By adopting or fostering a pet, you can make an impact that ripples throughout New York City shelters, creating space for more animals in need, and we thank Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso for hosting this important event to help animals find loving homes.”
Ahead of the July 27 event, ACC Director of Marketing and Communications Katy Hansen encouraged Brooklynites who aren’t sure about adopting a pet to consider fostering. A foster home allows animals to decompress from the shelter, she said, and gives potential adopters a chance to see if a pet would fit into their lives. ACC provides foster parents with basic pet supplies including food, toys, and medical support — and also offers a program called “BoroughBreak,” where New Yorkers can take shelter dogs out for a field trip.
Brooklynites who missed the event can find lists of adoptable animals at the ACC, Badass Animal Rescue, the ASPCA, Hearts & Bones, and Bideawee online — along with more information on adoption fees and applications.
