No, NYC Is Not Running Out of Adoptable Pets

Recently, a viral tweet from Bloomberg News proclaimed animal shelters in New York City were running out of pets because anxious city-dwellers were wanting company during the Wuhan Flu pandemic.  What better way to fill one’s time than getting a new dog or cat?

I know my dogs have greatly improved my life.  (Though, since they are Great Danes, I think mine would be happier here in Texas than Manhattan.)

While it’s true that more and more pets are being adopted, there are still plenty of animals to go around. They now have around 300 cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs in shelters in foster homes. These are still up for adoption unless the temporary caretaker decides to adopt permanently.

“NO SHORTAGE!” Katy Hansen, spokesperson for Animal Care Centers of NYC. “Sure we don’t have puppies or teacup poodles but we are getting animals in every day and we anticipate a surge in the coming weeks.” 

The shelters also have larger dogs who need to go to foster homes or to be adopted during this crisis.  Also, shelters across America have been bracing for a possible influx of animals for pet owners who are getting hospitalized with the Wuhan Flu, for people who ultimately succumb to it, and to those who simply can’t afford to pay for their pets due to the economic crisis.

The NYCACC is updating its website to show all adoptable pets – both in foster care and at shelters. Interested people have to make appointments due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it’s still very possible – and needed! – to adopt animals now.

Hat Tip: HuffPo