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1. How many animals does AC&C take in each year?
AC&C rescues 43,000 dogs, cats and other animals each year. Approximately 26,000 go to rescue groups or are adopted directly from the shelters.

2. How old do I have to be to volunteer?
All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

3. What do volunteers do?
Most of our volunteers work at our shelters or in administrative roles. Other positions include Foster Care, Transport, Education, Events or Development. Please read “Volunteer Opportunities” for more information.

4. Can I work in more than one service area or location?
Yes! You can work with both dogs and cats in our shelters, or work at our administrative office as well as several off-site opportunities. You must complete all necessary training before you begin working in multiple service areas.

5. I have court appointed hours due, can I fulfill my requirement at AC&C?
Applicants need to undergo orientation and training before they can begin work as a volunteer. This process often takes longer to complete than the hours required in most court appointed hours. It can also take several visits after training before volunteers feel completely comfortable with their responsibilities. For this reason, court appointed hours are considered to be too short-term to be appropriate for volunteer work at our shelter.

6. Can I come in just to play with or socialize with the animals?
For reasons of health and safety, only trained staff and volunteers are allowed to handle the animals. While we believe that all of our animals are wonderful they require care that only trained animal handlers can provide.  

7. Can we bring friends and family members with us to help at the shelter?
Volunteers are not allowed to bring friends or family members with them during their scheduled volunteer shifts. Only people that are over the age of 18 and have been trained as a volunteer in our program are allowed to be in the facilities. Volunteers may bring their friends and family members in for a tour of the facility outside of their scheduled volunteer hours.

8. My schedule is unpredictable and I can’t guarantee my availability every week. Can I still help out?
While we prefer volunteers with regular availability, you can schedule shifts weekly or monthly. Volunteers can also help with offsite events and projects or transport animals when needed. Whatever your availability, there is a volunteer position to fit your schedule and interests.

9. Why is there a $25 volunteer fee?
We charge an administrative fee to cover the costs of the Volunteer Program. This includes processing costs, issuance of your Volunteer I.D. tag, an official volunteer tee-shirt, supplies and your training sessions. Financial hardship scholarships may be available on a case by case basis.

10. What if I have any concerns or questions as a volunteer?
Volunteers are encouraged to discuss any concerns related to their volunteer assignment with their Department Supervisor. They may take their concerns, complaints or suggestions to the Volunteer Coordinator. Written documentation (e-mail is acceptable) of any serious concerns or safety matter should be forwarded to the Department Supervisor and Volunteer Coordinator.

11. Should I worry about taking an illness home to my pet?
Always be sure to wash your hands and change your clothes before handling any of your own animals.  Also, be sure that your animals are current on their vaccinations.  If you have further questions, you should talk with your own veterinarian.

12. How can I donate in kind or monetary contributions to AC&C?
Any in-kind contributions, such as blankets, toys, and food are welcomed by our animals. To learn more about way to donate both in-kind and monetarily visit: www.nycacc.org/donate.htm, or send or drop off your gift any of our Animal Care Centers or the AC&C Headquarters located at:

Development Department,
Animal Care & Control, New York City,
11 Park Place, Suite 805, NY 10007.