ASPCA Commends NYC Council for Including $1.5 Million to Support Pet Owners in FY2027 Budget

NEW YORK – The NYC Council has passed its FY2027 budget, including $1.5 million to support pet owners, with pet food pantries and affordable spay/neuter services each receiving $750,000 to help fund these critical resources. In response, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) issued the following statement:

“As costs rise across New York City, one of the greatest threats to animal welfare isn’t just cruelty – it’s affordability, and we thank the City Council for making this critical investment to support sustainable pet food assistance programs and expand access to affordable veterinary care,” said Michelle Villagomez, senior director of municipal affairs for the ASPCA. “No New Yorker should have to choose between caring for themselves or keeping a beloved pet, and we are grateful to the Animal Welfare Caucus for championing this funding to help keep pets in loving homes.”

Across the city, families are regularly being forced to make impossible choices; and when costs go up, pet owners consistently choose their pet’s wellbeing over their own. According to a national ASPCA survey 4 in 10 pet owners have already made – or seriously considered – sacrifices in other parts of their lives in order to maintain their current level of care for their animals. Additionally, 58% of pet owners are concerned about rising veterinary costs, while half struggle with everyday expenses of pet food and care.

For 160 years, the ASPCA has worked to protect animals and strengthen the communities they’re part of. In New York City where it is headquartered, the ASPCA collaborates every day with human and social services organizations, as well as its longstanding partners at Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to respond to cruelty cases, expand access to care and support pet owners across the five boroughs, providing innovative programs and free or low-cost services to support animals in underserved communities.

For more information about the ASPCA efforts to support people and pets in New York City, or to join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, please visit www.aspca.org.