Animal Medical Center receives $25M gift for renovation project

The Animal Medical Center, the world’s largest nonprofit animal hospital, in November announced a $25 million gift to support the New York City veterinary hospital’s expansion and renovation project.

The donation from Stephen and Christine Schwarzman has propelled AMC’s Gift of Love campaign to $85 million of its $100 million goal, the hospital said in a Nov. 30, 2021, statement.

“This game-changing gift will position AMC to meet the increased demand for service, secure new opportunities for research partnerships in human medicine, and to expand educational programming for the veterinary community, well into the future,” said AMC President and Chief Executive Officer Kathryn Coyne in the statement.

Established in 1910 by the Women’s Auxiliary to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, AMC is recognized as a leading center for veterinary research and clinical advances. Located on New York City’s Upper East Side, the hospital employs more than 120 veterinarians and offers more than 20 veterinary specialties. 

A spokesperson for AMC said its caseload has increased by more than 50% over the past decade, necessitating a modernized facility.

The plan is to create 11,000 square feet of new space and renovate 26,000 square feet of existing space to create room for new and expanded services and meet increased client demand. The renovated hospital will feature state-of-the-art operating rooms; an expanded emergency room, intensive care unit, and special care unit; a new outdoor dog run and park; a renovated first-floor lobby; and a new education and conference center.

The project is currently underway, with expected completion in 2024. 

In recognition of the gift, AMC has been renamed the Stephen and Christine Schwarzman Animal Medical Center.

Stephen Schwarzman is a philanthropist and the chairman and CEO of the Blackstone Group, a global private equity firm. His wife, Christine, is a corporate lawyer.