Dear fellow animal advocates and community supporters,

It’s inspiring to see what we’ve accomplished together so far! With your help, our petition has now gathered 2,145 signatures—a testament to the growing resolve to bring real change to the Yonkers Animal Shelter (YAS).

Impressively, 71% of these voices come directly from Yonkers, while 22% represent our neighbors in Larchmont, Scarsdale, New Rochelle, Pelham, the Bronx, NYC, Eastchester, Bronxville, Orange and Putnam County, Albany, White Plains, Long Island, Queens, and Staten Island. This widespread support shows we’re building a true movement, one that crosses boundaries for the sake of those who can’t speak for themselves.

We’re celebrating a significant milestone: two of our four core demands have been publicly met. Mayor Mike Spano has announced the hiring of six more kennel workers to address the shelter’s capacity needs and the extension of public hours to improve access for everyone. These steps are a direct result of our collective pressure and persistence—proof that when we unite, we can make a difference. Watch the Mayor’s confirmation here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DE393VvPp/?mibextid=wwXIfr

But we’re only halfway there, and the urgency remains. The shelter desperately needs 50 more volunteers to ensure dogs and cats receive the socialization and exercise they require to stay healthy and adoptable. Right now, dogs are getting just 3 minutes of walk time per day, leading to injuries for volunteers stretched too thin. Cats, too, receive minimal engagement. Without a dedicated trainer, six dogs can’t even be walked due to kennel stress, and many animals are showing signs of depression, shutting down in ways that break our hearts. These challenges highlight why we must transform YAS from a mere animal control operation into a model of 2025 standards for welfare and care.

The impact of achieving these goals would be transformative. With enough volunteers—providing at least 30 minutes of daily walks and enrichment for dogs and 15 minutes of socialization for cats—we can prevent muscle atrophy, reduce stress-related behaviors, and boost adoption rates by up to 25%, as seen in well-run shelters in NYC and Westchester. Volunteers contribute 40-60% of daily animal interactions in successful programs, delaying behavioral issues and helping animals remain adoptable longer. An on-site trainer would enable accurate behavioral evaluations, slashing adoption return rates (which dropped from 63% to 20% during YAS’s previous behaviorist tenure) and reducing euthanasia by up to 40% statewide through better rehabilitation and matching. Together, these changes mean healthier, happier animals with real chances at forever homes.

This is our chance to turn momentum into lasting impact—creating a shelter where every animal has the opportunity to thrive, not just survive. If you haven’t signed yet, please sign below!

Please share this update widely with friends, family, and on social media; every share amplifies our call.

To get involved directly:

• Head to the Yonkers Animal Shelter and ask to volunteer—your time could make all the difference.
• Contact Mayor Mike Spano at Mayor@yonkersny.gov or 914-377-6300 to demand sufficient volunteers to meet the animals’ needs and the hiring of a dedicated trainer at YAS. Your voice can push these essential changes forward.

Thank you for your passion and commitment—together, we’re not just advocating; we’re changing lives. Let’s keep the pressure on for the animals who rely on us at Yonkers Animal Shelter!