The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has issued a reminder to animal shelters and rescues across the state about upcoming changes in legislation aimed at improving animal welfare standards. The new requirements, which take effect on December 15, 2025, are intended to enhance the health and well-being of animals housed in these facilities.
Commissioner Richard A. Ball commented on the department’s approach: “The Department’s Division of Animal Industry understands that this new law may present some initial challenges for our shelters and rescues, and we are committed to assisting them with compliance. As part of this, our team has been hosting educational sessions and conducting outreach to help shelters prepare for these changes. Our goal is to assist our shelters through the transition phase this next year, ultimately ensuring that these new requirements in animal care are met and that we continue to have happy, healthy companion animals finding their forever families.”
During the first year after implementation, the department will focus on education rather than enforcement. Inspectors will visit shelters and rescues to advise them on how to comply with Article 26-C guidelines, which include updated standards in veterinary care, documentation, vaccinations, among other areas.
To support facilities in meeting these requirements, the department continues its Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund. Since its launch in 2017, more than $48 million has been awarded for facility upgrades through this program. The most recent funding round provided an additional $10 million for eligible projects last month. Shelters are encouraged to apply for grants via the Department’s website.
New York was the first state nationally to establish such capital project funding for animal shelters. Since inception of the Companion Animal Capital Fund program in 2017, a total of 161 projects have received financial support throughout New York State.
Article 26-C was sponsored by Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. and Assemblymember Amy Paulin as part of Chapter 683 of the Laws of 2022. The law mandates licensing, enforceable care standards, and regular inspections for both municipal and not-for-profit organizations sheltering cats or dogs.
Libby Post, Executive Director of the New York Animal Protection Federation stated: “The Federation proposed the Standards Act and we’re thankful to the Governor, Senator Addabbo and Assemblymember Paulin for their leadership. Our goal is to move animal welfare for homeless companion animals forward. The Federation’s Education Fund raised close to half a million dollars to fund free consulting services to any shelter or rescue that asked. We’ve worked with 90 or so organizations so far and each have gotten a detailed ‘road map’ report back on what steps should be taken to be in compliance. The Federation is once again asking the Governor for $10M in the upcoming state budget to continue the great capital projects that have been supported by the Companion Animal Capital Fund.”
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., said: “I appreciate the expanded efforts of the Hochul Administration and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets in implementing the new law which will take positive steps to improve the care of homeless companion animals and promote the importance of foster care in animal sheltering. I am confident the Department of Agriculture and Markets will credibly administer the heightened standards of care for homeless companion animals at all shelters and rescues across New York, while eliminating ineffective and unenforceable laws. Soon the animals in our state will be beneficiaries of better treatment and an increased attention to their needs.”
Assemblywoman Amy Paulin added: “As the author of this new law, I’m proud to see these long-overdue commonsense standards for shelter and rescue care take effect. Shelter animals deserve to be treated with consistent high-quality care which is what this law helps ensure.”
