Governor Kathy Hochul has announced nearly $5 million has been awarded to 17 not-for-profit animal shelters and humane societies through the fourth round of the New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund. The funding will support construction, renovation and expansion projects that will provide animal care. As the first in the nation to fund capital projects for animal shelters, New York State continues to demonstrate its commitment to securing safe housing and care for sheltered dogs and cats as they await adoption, including through an increased appropriation for the fifth round of the program in the Fiscal Year 2023 Enacted Budget.
"New York's Companion Animal Capital Fund makes a true difference for shelters and humane societies across the state, helping them to make critical upgrades that ultimately mean better care for our dogs and cats as they await their forever homes," Governor Hochul said. "I was proud to include funding for this program in my Executive Budget this year - the first time in history - and my administration will continue supporting the great organizations that work to keep sheltered dogs and cats safe."
Since the launch of the Companion Animal Capital Fund program in 2017, administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the state has dedicated $20 million to 57 projects. This year, Governor Hochul included the Companion Animal Capital Fund in her proposed Executive Budget, a first for the program and a demonstration of her continued commitment to New York's companion animals. In the enacted FY 2023 New York State Budget, the program received a historic $8 million for its next round.
The fourth round of funding awarded builds on previous initiatives to offset the costs associated with capital projects run by New York State animal shelters. Projects funded this year include new living spaces for additional cats, new medical facilities, and shelter renovations to include additional kennels.
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets selects grant recipients based on a need assessment, detailed project description, and reasonableness of cost. Further recognizing the importance of this program, for the first time this year, the state also expanded eligibility to include shelters that were previously granted this fund and have completed their projects, as well as shelters without municipal contracts servicing underserved regions.
The following shelters received an award in this round of the program:
Capital Region
- Animal Protective Foundation of Schenectady: $492,563 for medical supplies, tile flooring, new isolation areas, and increased capacity for dog housing.
- Mohawk & Hudson Humane Society: $500,000 for a new veterinary suite that allows for separation of sick dogs from healthy ones.
- Super Heroes in Ripped Jeans: $440,347 for renovation of a recently purchased building to increase both canine and feline housing capacity as well as a cat condo and isolation area.
- Susquehanna SPCA: $143,289 for the purchase of veterinary equipment including a stationary radiograph machine, a dental radiograph machine, laser therapy equipment, and surgical cautery tools to provide enhanced medical care for animals.
Hudson Valley
- Humane Society of Westchester: $125,000 for resurfacing of outdoor dog runs, a retaining wall for the dog park, and new cages and floors for the cat area.
- Paws Crossed Animal Rescue, Inc.: $200,000 for a new adoption area, cat rooms, and meet and greet rooms. The addition of a veterinary clinic area, community room, and staff offices are planned as well.
- Sullivan County SPCA: $100,000 for an HVAC system, new kennel gates, doors, and fencing that will support animal health, safety, and comfort.
- Ulster County SPCA: $250,510 for a total renovation of their dog kennel area as well as new paint and new flooring.
Long Island
- Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons: $200,000 for a new pressure washing system, plumbing, and HVAC system to support animal health, safety, and comfort.
- Bidawee, Inc: $200,000 for a brand new, state of the art HVAC system.
- Town of Brookhaven: $146,500 for a shelter renovation to include additional kennels, a dedicated food preparation area, and a meet and greet area.
- Town of Hempstead: $52,000 for shelter upgrades and enhancements including better drainage and lighting.
Northern New York
- Jefferson County SPCA: $189,767 for expansion of services in a new veterinary wing for sick or injured animals. This will allow space for dental procedures, surgeries, pre-operative care, post-operative care, and a treatment area for injured pets.
Western New York
- Chautauqua County Humane Society: $159,677 for increased security, window replacements, an HVAC system, and generator expansion.
- Hornell Area Humane Society: $ 346,875 for a cattery expansion, and expansion of the space for canine behavior and training sessions. Additional areas will be renovated, including a new food preparation area and a separate area for cleaning supplies.
- Pet Pride of New York: $200,000 for renovations and additions to a new wing of the shelter which will include intake, isolation, veterinary areas as well as a utility room, staff restrooms, and a staff breakroom.
- Ten Lives Club: $200,000 for shelter expansion and improvement for their cats. Four new living spaces will provide space for additional cats, and the addition of an HVAC system will provide clean air.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "Through visits to completed shelter renovations funded by this program, we have seen the impact of New York's Companion Animal Capital Fund in caring for sheltered animals until they find their permanent homes. I want to thank the Governor and our assemblymembers and senators for ensuring that this critical program continues to be funded. Thanks to the funding available in this year's state budget, we were able to select a greater number of shelters to receive assistance and provide enhanced support to the animals in their care."
State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, "Every animal living in New York deserves a safe and nurturing shelter while they wait for their forever home. As a strong champion of the Companion Animal Capital Fund, I'm proud to see so many deserving shelters from across the state, but especially in our district, receive significant investments for projects that will enhance the lives of the animals they serve and set them up for successful adoptions."
State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. said, "This level of funding for our not-for-profit animal shelters and humane societies will greatly expand animal care here in New York. This will make a positive difference in the lives of cats, dogs and other animals as they wait for adoption. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in government in allocating this money to this amazing cause."
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, "I am delighted to see so many well-deserving animal shelters receiving support from our Companion Animal Capital Fund. My committee has regularly prioritized funding to assist with the expansion, renovation or construction of new shelter facilities. As a person who has adopted several cats from my local shelter, I am very supportive of the work they do and the care that they provide for homeless animals. Our first in the nation fund is a model we can all be proud of."
Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick said, "The Companion Animal Capital Fund is a crucial investment in our state's animal shelters. I applaud Governor Hochul for this vital funding to ensure our neediest dogs, cats, and other animals are treated humanely while awaiting their forever homes. The dedicated staff and volunteers at animal shelters across the state offer incredible care and compassion and this funding will guarantee that shelter capital needs are met. Without this funding shelters would be hard pressed to deliver the great care and support to animals they do each day."
Executive Director of the New York Animal Protection Federation Libby Post said, "The Fund has made an incredible difference for shelters across the state. This year's budget, FY23, includes $8 million for the fund which is over a 50 percent increase of previous budgets. We are so thankful to Governor Hochul for putting $5M into her budget proposal—the first time it was included in the Executive Budget—and to our legislative champions, Assemblymember Deborah Glick and State Senator Joseph Addabbo for securing an additional $3 million. The fund will continue to enhance the standards of care for homeless companion animals across New York and sets the a standard for the nation."
According to the New York State Animal Protection Federation, more than 150,000 animals annually are brought to non-profit and municipality-run shelters and humane societies. The New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund will help these organizations continue to provide sheltering services to local communities, promote better care for the animals, and facilitate more adoptions.