FACT SHEET FOR RECENT IMPROVEMENTS

• AC&C has seen a record decrease in euthanasia. Over the last 8 fiscal years, euthanasia was reduced 54.6%. Additionally, euthanasia was reduced by 19.64% in the 2nd Quarter of fiscal year 2009. Fiscal year to date, euthanasia has been reduced 10.51%.  Euthanasia dropped 13.2% in December.



• AC&C has also seen a significant increase in adoptions. Over the last 8 fiscal years, adoptions have increased 83.06%. Adoptions are up 7.4%, fiscal year to date, and adoptions increased 14.6% in the 2nd Quarter of fiscal year 2009. Adoptions increased 21.7% in December.



• Record numbers have also been seen in AC&C’s Foster Program. Fosters have increased 69%, fiscal year to date, and fosters for the 2nd Quarter of fiscal year 2009 have increased 58%. In December, fosters increased 114%.



• The number of animals returned to their owners increased 21% fiscal year to date, and the number of animals returned to their owners in the 2nd Quarter of fiscal year 2009 increased by 20.8%. In December, the number of animals returned to their owners increased 37.3%.



• AC&C is actively recruiting and adding New Hope Partners. There are now over 200 New Hope Partners and AC&C has expanded their internal New Hope department.



• Additional adoption counselors were hired to provide one-on-one customer service for potential adopters and to help ensure permanent matches are made. 



• A new adoption application was created and implemented to ensure that the animals are placed in loving homes.



• The pit-bull breed is the largest percentage of dogs received in the shelters and therefore AC&C is placing a greater emphasis on pit-bull adoption. At least half of the dogs taken to off-site adoption events are now pit-bulls.



• AC&C now participates in Hill’s Science Diet’s shelter food program.



• The number of AC&C volunteers doubled in 2008.



• Online dog licensing has been implemented.



• All cats and dogs now receive a toy and a blanket each day to make their stay more enjoyable and comfortable.



• Dogs are walked at least twice per day. The exercise lessens the stress and boredom of being in a cage/kennel, reduces behavioral problems, and makes them more adoptable. Several Canine Enrichment positions were created to walk dogs and provide socialization opportunities.



• The Staten Island Surgical Suite has been completed and is operational, thanks to Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro.



• A further expansion of the Staten Island shelter is underway and proposals have been received.



• The Brooklyn Care Center recently installed brand new, larger dog runs and replaced much of the flooring in the facility.  This project was funded by the City.



• Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island Shelters all received larger cat condos.



• A nursery area was created at both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Care Centers to isolate mothers and their puppies or kittens from the general shelter population, reducing their stress.



• The HVAC project is underway in Manhattan, which will significantly improve air quality. Throughout the duration of this project, AC&C created a temporary space at the Manhattan shelter which includes large dog runs and two separate rooms for cats. This set-up will not only improve air quality, but allow the temperature to be more closely regulated.



• A full medical exam is now given to every animal upon their arrival at each shelter.



• Lysine is now administered to all cats to help prevent upper respiratory infections.



• Nebulizers were purchased to help treat any existing respiratory conditions.



• AC&C has upgraded their cleaning procedures, including utilizing the top-of-the-line in disinfectant solutions.



• Transporter positions were created to deliver animals free of charge to New Hope Partners. This reduces the amount of time animals are in the shelters and also creates additional space for newly arriving animals. 



• Quality control remains a top priority at AC&C. This role has been assigned to several staff members on a daily basis to identify operational deficiencies and make recommendations for improvement.



• Head Veterinarians were appointed at Brooklyn and Manhattan Care Centers to ensure every animal receives quality medical care.



• AC&C has expanded their Veterinary coverage at the Manhattan and Brooklyn Care Centers. Additionally, they have round-the-clock vet tech coverage at both shelters.



• An additional Behavior Evaluator position was added to ensure all adoptable animals are closely assessed before being placed in a permanent home.



• AC&C has partnered with Cornell University to effectively identify, diagnose and treat illness within the shelter environment.



• AC&C has partnered with the Toby Project to expand public spay/neuter services in New York City.



• The number of foster parents in AC&C’s Foster Program has increased by over 200% since last year.



• AC&C implemented a cruelty program. Our staff and veterinarians have been trained by the ASPCA to properly identify and gather evidence in cruelty cases.



• After an animal is brought in through AC&C’s cruelty program, they are given immediate medical attention and often nursed back to health by trained staff members and foster parents.



• AC&C has reduced the time on average from 200 days to only 30 days cruelty cases have to stay at the shelter and wait to be adopted out.