A first-of-its-kind full-service animal shelter in Queens has officially opened in Ridgewood today, bringing a much-needed service to the greater city that is constantly struggling to find homes for pets.
The Animal Care Centers (ACC) of New York City opened the full-service shelter facility at 19-06 Flushing Ave., at the intersection of Flushing and Woodward Avenues, with a brand new 50,000 square-foot facility meant to house hundreds of pets.
The shelter is named after the late Council Member Paul Vallone, a passionate animal advocate, and revered elected official who died of a heart attack at 56 years old last January.
Vallone’s sudden death reverberated throughout the communities he served, especially for like-minded animal advocates in the city council and constituents.
ACC President and Chief Executive Officer Risa Weinstock commemorated the late Council member’s instrumental partnership during her visit to Community Board 5 in March. She shared Vallone was pivotal in realizing the vision for the new shelter.
“He just always had a smile on his face and he was so encouraging that we could do this,” said Weinstock, also saying that his smile brought another level of encouragement when challenges seemed too overwhelming.
Up to 72 dogs, 110 cats and other household pets, like rabbits and guinea pigs, can fill the space at the new shelter, according to the ACC. Tuesday’s opening is just the beginning for the Ridgewood newcomers, but with its opening day, an additional 80-100 new staffers are expected to lend a hand.
Among the many new features of the facilities is a retractable roof that allows animals in the shelter to experience the outdoors. The ACC site will also have limited parking available for guests and clients.
The addition of the animal shelter follows a few challenging years in finding pets a home. Around the same time last year, The ACC shared that New York City shelters were reaching capacity. A 20% spike in surrendered animals at the shelter was reported last year.
An adjacent shelter located in East New York, Brooklyn, closed last week for renovations and is expected to reopen in 2026, as first reported by The City. The Queens location will play an even greater role in its opening days.
A media day for the shelter opening has been rescheduled and is now expected to take place early next month.
