We are excited to announce the completion of a critical expansion project that will allow the ASPCA to shelter and care for even more canine victims of cruelty in New York City. The Gloria Gurney Canine Annex for Recovery & Enrichment, or CARE, is a facility that can house up to 50 dogs rescued through the NYPD/ASPCA Partnership at any given time. At CARE, these dogs will receive the behavioral assistance necessary to prepare them for adoption.

 “The NYPD Partnership has resulted in the rescue of more animal cruelty victims in New York City than ever before,” said ASPCA President and CEO Matthew Bershadker. “CARE gives the ASPCA much-needed space to house victimized dogs and offer personalized behavioral rehabilitation that will give them the best chance of finding safe and loving homes.”

The new 5,000-square-foot facility is located near the ASPCA Animal Hospital (AAH) and Adoption Center on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Because dogs often arrive at CARE after receiving intensive medical treatment at AAH, the center was specifically designed to create as calming an experience as possible. Paint colors that are relaxing to a dog’s eye were chosen for the walls, and skylights line the hallways to provide a natural sunrise and sunset experience. A full-size kitchen will give the staff a place to prepare food and enrichment treats to keep the dogs physically and mentally stimulated during the day. Two spacious exercise rooms, one of which can be divided into two areas, will be used for daily exercise and training sessions.

“Many of the dogs that come to us through the NYPD partnership are shy, fearful and under-socialized as the result of physical abuse or neglect,” said Gail Buchwald, Senior Vice President of the ASPCA Adoption Center. “It’s important that we provide them with a consistent, home-like atmosphere to assist their recovery while our staff works on their behavioral issues.” 

CARE is one of several ways the ASPCA has invested in the success of the NYPD partnership. The ASPCA also assists law enforcement officials in the form of forensics work, comprehensive legal services, field assistance and ongoing training and educational materials for officers.