Each year, nearly 32,000 unwanted cats and dogs are brough to Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C) Care Centers. Many animals are rescued from extreme situations by AC&C's field operations. Others are brought to the Care Centers by pet owners who can no longer care for their animal because of family, health, or housing circumstances. Through the Animal Care Fund, AC&C raises support for the direct care of lost, mistreated, or neglected animals brought to its Care Centers, for service upgrades to keep rescued animals happy in their new surroundings, and to end the euthanasia of adoptable cats and dogs.

Established in 1996, AC&C's mission is to promote and protect the health and safety of pets and people in New York City. One of the nation's largest animal welfare organizations, AC&C is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit organization contracted by New York City to provide city-wide animal control services. Donations to The Animal Care Fund will allow AC&C to implement enhancements above and beyond contracted animal care services, so that AC&C may continue to be a healthful refuge for thousands of animals in distress.

AC&C never turns away any animal brought to its three full-service Care Centers (Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island) or two Receiving Centers (Bronx and Queens). In fact, every week, AC&C accepts approximately 600 cats and dogs. Each of these animals receives a medical evaluation, medica care (if necessary), and vaccinations. With support from the The Animal Care Fund, lonely animals that are lost, hurt, or shut out of their homes are cared for by professional staff. Animals deemed adoptable are photographed, and information about them is placed on AC&C's website. Adoptions have risen from 10,565 in 2003 to 20,008 in 2011 as a result of AC&C's efforts, and there has been significant reduction in the need for euthanasia.

By contributing to The Animal Care Fund, New York animal lovers can help AC&C improve care for thousands of friendless cats and dogs, nurse them to health and tranquility, and promote their adoption into loving homes.