Mission

AMC traces its roots to 1910, when Ellin Prince Speyer founded the New York Women’s League for Animals. In a milestone for animal welfare, the League opened a free veterinary clinic in New York City, guided by the belief that every pet deserves humane care. More than a century later, AMC stands as the world’s largest nonprofit animal hospital and New York City’s only Level 1 Trauma Center. We operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, managing an annual caseload of approximately 25,000 dogs, cats and exotic pets, across 60,000 visits. With 24 specialty areas—including cardiology, emergency, oncology and rehabilitation—our mission is to provide compassionate, collaborative care for companion animals while advancing veterinary medicine through research and education. As part of our commitment to accessible care, AMC administers 16 distinct Community Funds that provide free and subsidized veterinary treatment. These funds assist pet owners facing financial strain, as well as service dogs, rescue animals and strays. Alongside these efforts, we also serve as a trusted healthcare provider for pets in the care of partnering organizations, including the ASPCA, the North Shore Animal League and the NYPD and NYFD K9 Units. Beyond patient care, AMC is a hub for learning and discovery. We train veterinary professionals through internships, continuing education and the leading residency program for specialty board certification, with more than 2,500 alumni now practicing worldwide. To promote wellness at home, we also share our expertise with pet owners through free resources, such as support groups, an online health library and the “Ask a Vet” podcast. Meanwhile, ongoing clinical studies and trials keep AMC at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of animal medicine.