Our Mission & Model

Flatbush Cats is focused on ending overcrowded animal shelters in NYC. We’re working to create a world where every pet receives the love and care they all deserve.

Our work is grounded in proven and proactive approaches designed to keep pets with their families. We reduce shelter surrenders across NYC by increasing veterinary care access and support services to those who need it most.

Benefits

2024 at a Glance

Doubling Surgical Capacity

Spay/neuter is the most powerful tool we have to reduce the overwhelming number of animals entering NYC shelters. In 2024, we expanded our capacity by onboarding a second surgery team at Flatbush Vet, with the goal of doubling our output — from 25 to 50+ surgeries per day — more in one day than most clinics complete in a week, all while maintaining high-quality care. This growth is critical to addressing the urgent need for accessible, low-cost veterinary care across the city and preventing thousands of kittens from being born outside.

Free Community Clinics

To expand access to essential care for pet owners facing the greatest financial hardship, Flatbush Vet hosted two free Community Clinics in 2024. Each event served approximately 150 pets in a single day — providing exams, vaccinations, preventive care, and treatment for minor issues, along with the opportunity to schedule follow-up visits for treatable conditions. Thanks to you, these services were provided at no cost to participants — offering them hope, compassion, and dignity.

Rescue & Community Cat Program

Thousands of cats struggle to survive on the streets of Brooklyn, where 70% of kittens born outside don’t live past six months, making year-round rescue efforts essential. In 2024, we rescued over 525 friendly cats — a 39% increase from the previous year — and cared for them in our holding space with the help of 168 dedicated volunteers, helping each cat begin their journey from the cold streets to the comfort of a foster home.

With an estimated 500,000 free-roaming community cats in NYC, TNR (trap, neuter, return) volunteers face an uphill battle without access to affordable spay/neuter services. In 2024, we performed TNR for 528 feral cats — our highest number yet — through a grassroots, community-driven effort. By supporting 650+ individual rescuers and groups with training, resources, and guidance, we’re addressing the crisis block by block.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING ALL OF THIS POSSIBLE.

Together, we’re tackling the root causes of cat overpopulation — starting with the lack of affordable veterinary care in our city. This work isn’t easy — but it’s powerful. And it’s only possible because you believe that every pet deserves to see a vet.

Let’s keep building a future where no animal is left behind.

With gratitude,
The Flatbush Cats Team