ASPCA Announces Grant Funding to Help New York Shelters Implement New Shelter Standards Law

NEW YORK – The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) announced today that it will be providing $1.2 million in grant funding to animal welfare organizations in New York State to help them comply with the state’s new regulatory requirements taking effect on Dec. 15, 2025. Grants will range from $20,000-$75,000 and applications are open now through Nov. 10, 2025.

Animal sheltering has changed dramatically over the last 40 years, but despite all the progress, outdated and vague policies have not evolved to keep pace with current best practices in animal sheltering. The new law provides comprehensive, uniform facility and animal care standards for animal shelters and rescues statewide that will enhance care for New York's homeless companion animals by requiring shelter personnel to stay up-to-date on trainings, requiring bookkeeping of animal records, ensuring safe transportation tactics, establishing sufficient requirements for staff to feed each animal, clean enclosures and provide socialization and exercise, and require that the number of animals housed will not exceed the number of humane housing units available.

“The ASPCA was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment. New York State’s new shelter requirements are raising the standards of care for homeless companion animals across the state, and it’s critical that we ensure shelters have the support they need to comply with the new law,” said Christa Chadwick, vice president of shelter services at the ASPCA. “These grant funds will help cover the costs of any necessary changes to operations or facility updates that may be required to comply with the new standards, so shelters can continue their lifesaving work.

Organizations required to become licensed under Article 26-C, Section 421 are eligible to apply for grant funding from now through Nov. 10, 2025, to support changes to facilities and operations that may be necessary to comply with the new standards. Grant funds can be used for costs related to retrofitting housing, training for staff, purchasing proper equipment, recordkeeping systems, and hiring or contracting professionals to provide oversight and develop protocols.

In addition to the grant funding opportunity, ASPCA Learn will host an online training course for staff and volunteers who have direct animal care responsibilities. This will be available by end of December 2025.

For more information about the eligibility requirements or to submit a proposal, visit aspcapro.org/nystandards.