ASPCA opens Bronx clinic, outlines mobile adoptions and a Coop City shelter plan
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Summary
Michelle Villagómez of the ASPCA described a new ASPCA veterinary clinic at 501 East 161st Street, same‑day and mobile adoption options across the five boroughs, a foster program, and plans—supported by the mayor’s office and a city councilmember—for a Coop City shelter expected later this year.
Michelle Villagómez, director of municipal affairs for the ASPCA, said the organization has opened a veterinary services clinic in the Bronx at 501 East 161st Street and outlined how Bronx residents can access adoption and support services.
"501 East 161st Street," Villagómez said, "is our clinic in the Bronx. If you receive public assistance, the services can be free or low cost." She described the clinic’s services as primary care — vaccinations, routine visits, sterilizations and treatment for allergies — and explicitly said the facility is not an emergency hospital.
Villagómez explained how people can adopt or surrender animals. ASPCA staff counsel prospective adopters about household routines and the animals’ needs to find a good match; the organization also operates a mobile adoption van that visits neighborhoods across the five boroughs. "In the same day you can adopt," she said, describing the agency’s online listings and a public calendar for mobile visits.
On temporary placements, Villagómez highlighted the ASPCA’s foster program as a way for people to provide short‑term care without making a permanent commitment: many fosters decide to adopt, and fostering helps animals adjust to family life before a final placement.
Villagómez also announced progress toward a Bronx animal shelter. "Thank you to the mayor’s office and the city councilmember — there will be a shelter in Coop City," she said, adding that organizers expect it to be "modern, ultra modern, large" and hope it will be operational by the end of the year if planning proceeds as expected. The host noted BronxNet hopes to attend a future ribbon‑cutting.
Villagómez urged residents not to abandon pets and advised people who can no longer care for an animal to contact ASPCA or the city’s Animal Care Centers instead of leaving animals on the street.
Next steps: Villagómez directed listeners to the ASPCA website for clinic hours, the mobile adoption calendar and details about fostering and adoption requirements. She invited questions and indicated she would return to the program for further discussion of related topics.
