Field Operations

To assist animals in need in all five boroughs, the Field Operations Division of AC&C responds to calls from the public and government agencies.

Field Operations staff members respond to calls to rescue the following:

  • Animals that threaten the safety of the public
  • All stray dogs
  • All stray cats that are injured or sick
  • Wildlife animals(e.g. raccoons, opossums, etc.) that are injured, sick, or causing a threat to public health or safety
  • Cats trapped in walls, sewers, air ducts, ceilings, etc.
  • Cats that have not climbed down from a tree in about three or more days
  • Injured or sick cats and specific birds (e.g. swans, geese, falcons, hawks, - others case by case)
  • Bats that have bitten or scratched an individual only
  • Requests made by public officials for assistance (Police and Fire Departments, ASPCA, etc.
  • NYC Marshal’s requests made to pick up animals whose owners have been evicted
  • Abandoned animals whose owner is in jail or deceased.

Between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except for holidays), telephone calls regarding animals should be directed to 311. Please visit the FAQ section of the website before calling 311. Only call 311 after you were unable to obtain the information you needed on our website. If you must contact someone before or after hours, please contact your local police precinct.
 
If you are surrendering a pet to AC&C to be adopted by a loving family, the fee to surrender your pet is $75.00.

If you are surrendering a pet to AC&C for euthanasia, the fee to surrender your pet is $150.00.

If a pet has been given over to you as the result of a court order (e.g. JASA, Adult Protective Services, etc.), you must bring your pet to one of our Care Center facilities. Our Care Centers are open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. everyday except holidays (see Locations). Exceptions are made as scheduling permits.

If the owner of a pet is in the hospital, nursing home, or hospice and does not have any relatives to care for their pet until they are released OR does not want their pet any longer, please dial 311 for assistance.