Director's Message
As we step into spring—perhaps with dogs by our side, or with binoculars to view beautiful migratory birds—there are many opportunities to celebrate and support animals in NYC. Here at the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare we're aiming to bring attention to those opportunities with a new animal events calendar (details below!) as we continue our work to foster a more humane city.
In February the Office joined with Council Member Lynn Schulman and the City Council's Finance Division to host a webinar on discretionary funding for animal welfare nonprofits, and in March we held a webinar with the New York State Animal Protection Federation to help prepare animal shelters and rescues for the Companion Animal Care Standards Act, which takes effect later this year.
As always, we're thankful for the many partners and community members committed to making a difference for animals, in New York City and beyond.
Alexandra Silver
Director, NYC Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare
Introducing the NYC Animal Events Calendar
 The Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare has launched an Events Calendar! This public resource is designed to raise awareness about animal-related events and initiatives throughout New York City, including opportunities to meet pets available for adoption, learn about other species that call the Big Apple home, help our furry and feathered friends, and more.
Please check it out and share with any animal-loving friends. Organizations are invited to submit events online and contribute to making this a robust resource. For more information, and to submit an event, please visit the Events landing page.
Bird Flu Updates and Resources
Sadly, in New York City and across the United States, highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu), has been found in domestic birds such as chickens, wild birds (mainly water birds and raptors), and mammals. In March, following the detection of bird flu in two cats and a suspected third cat, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) issued a press release that included the following tips for pet owners:
- Avoid feeding pets raw food or raw milk
- If your pet has eaten raw food and shows sign of sickness, call your vet immediately and isolate from other pets
- Keep your cats indoors
- If you are walking your dog, avoid dead or sick animals
More information about bird flu can be found on the DOHMH website here (general information, including how to report sick or dead birds) and here (information for animal health care providers).
The Brooklyn Animal Care Center Moves Forward
Out with the old, in with the state-of-the art. The total renovation of the Brooklyn Animal Care Center is underway! The NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is managing the project for the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and it's anticipated to be completed in 2026.
"Aside from being a healthier, more enriching shelter for animals in need, this new, modern, and inviting facility will be a great place for New Yorkers to volunteer, adopt, and connect with resources to help them keep their pets," said Director of the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare Alexandra Silver in the recent press release from DDC and DOHMH.
With the opening of the Paul A. Vallone Queens Animal Care Center last year and the new Bronx center in the works, New York City will soon have full-service animal shelters operated by the nonprofit organization Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) in every borough.
Over Two Million Plant-Based Meals Served to NYC Health + Hospitals Patients
NYC Health + Hospitals recently announced that it has served over two million plant-based meals since launching its plant-based program in 2022, with over 900,000 meals served in 2024 alone. This is great news for patient health (as noted in the press release, "plant-based eating patterns are linked to significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers"), for the environment ("the transition to a plant-based menu led to a reduction in carbon emissions of 36%"), and, of course, for animals.
With a 90% patient satisfaction rate, all meals are made from scratch at the NYC Health + Hospitals Culinary Center in Brooklyn, and the menu features diverse, flavorful options like Jerk Mushrooms with Sweet Plantains and Jackfruit Carnitas. Patients are also given recipe booklets upon discharge, empowering them to continue healthy eating at home.
Animal Spotlight: Meet Pretty!
 Looking for a beautiful dog? Pretty is available for adoption from Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC)!
"Meet Pretty, our long-stay sweetheart who's been waiting over 150 days for a home at Manhattan ACC. At 10.5 years old, she's still full of playful energy and heart-melting affection. She loves toys, cuddles on the bench, and sneaking in gentle kisses.
"Pretty would do best in a calm home without cats, small animals, or very young children. She appreciates slow introductions and prefers to come to you when she's ready for affection. She also has some medical needs our staff will be happy to discuss.
"If you're patient, kind, and ready to welcome a charming, loyal companion into your life, Pretty might be the perfect match. Come meet her and see why we love her so much."
View Pretty (animal ID: 212891) and other "boroughbreds" available for adoption from ACC at nycacc.app.
Not in a position to adopt? Consider fostering! ACC's next orientations are set for April 27th.
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