NEW YORK, NEW YORK (March 30, 2015) — Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C of NYC) today announced it was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Petco Foundation to fund a vehicle to aid in animal placement efforts.
Since its recent launch in February, the vehicle has transported an estimated 150 cats and dogs from AC&C shelters to volunteer foster homes, where the animals can get ready for adoption.
AC&C Placement Driver Sanjay Barnes, Foster Supervisor Sonja Gorzkowska, and Ace the dog by AC&C’s new Petco Foundation-funded vehicle. Hi-res photo available upon request.
AC&C, a nonprofit organization open to all homeless and abandoned animals in NYC’s five boroughs, takes in approximately 30,000 animals each year. Through adoption to the public, transfer to rescue groups and other organizations known as New Hope partners, and a growing foster program, AC&C seeks to find placement for as many cats, dogs, and other animals as possible.
The Petco Foundation grant for the new placement vehicle is helping AC&C move more animals from AC&C shelters to foster homes as well as to New Hope partners. A new Placement Driver is staffing the vehicle, which travels throughout the city.
“AC&C never closes its doors on any stray, homeless or abandoned animal, and so we admit on average over 80 animals every day. Our foster volunteers and rescue groups are essential in helping us find suitable homes. With the addition of the Petco Foundation’s funding for a dedicated transfer vehicle, AC&C is able to transport animals to these partners more quickly,” said Risa Weinstock, AC&C’s Executive Director. “The Petco Foundation’s support of AC&C will help get many more animals from the shelter to their new homes much faster and give them the second chance they deserve.”
Animal-loving New Yorkers might see the new vehicle deliver adorable cats and dogs directly to their door, if they join AC&C’s foster team. AC&C is always looking for foster volunteers to temporarily care for animals, who may need some extra TLC outside of a Care Center. Anyone interested in becoming a foster volunteer can sign up for an orientation at http://nycacc.org/Foster.htm. The next foster orientations will be held at AC&C’s Headquarters (11 Park Place in Manhattan) at 7pm on March 31 and April 14.
The Petco Foundation has served as a voice for companion animals across the country since 1999. Today, with more than 8,000 local animal-welfare partners across the country, the Petco Foundation donates approximately $15 million a year to make a difference in the lives of millions of animals. The organization is funded through donations raised during fundraisers conducted in Petco’s more than 1,200 stores across the country, as well as from Petco associates, vendors and corporate contributions. Money raised helps fund animal-welfare organizations, spay and neuter efforts, animal-assisted therapy programs and humane education. The majority of the funds raised remain in the communities where they were raised, and the Petco Foundation is also involved in many national animal-welfare efforts.
In 2012, the Petco Foundation surpassed $100 million in funds raised for companion animals since the organization was created. To learn more, visit www.petcofoundation.org
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About Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C)
Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C) is one of the largest animal welfare organizations in the country, taking in more than 30,000 animals each year. AC&C is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that rescues, cares for and finds loving homes for animals throughout the five boroughs. AC&C is an open-admissions organization, which means it never turns away any homeless, abandoned, injured or sick animal in need of help, including cats, dogs, rabbits, small mammals, reptiles, birds, farm animals and wildlife. It is the only organization in NYC with this unique responsibility. Visit www.nycacc.org for more information, and follow AC&C at facebook.com/NYCACC and @NYCACC.
About Petco and the Petco Foundation
Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that focuses on nurturing powerful relationships between people and pets. We do this by providing the products, services, advice and experiences that keep pets physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,300 Petco locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including more than 100 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop; nine Pooch Hotel destinations for pet daycare, boarding and spa services; and petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $125 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, help find homes for more than 400,000 animals every year.