New law in New York enhances consistent care standards for animals in shelters, rescue operations

New York’s Department of Agriculture and Markets is reminding all statewide animal shelters and rescues about an upcoming change in law, which requires new increased standards to be met to ensure the health and well-being of the animals in their care.

The Department has been working over the last year to educate and prepare the State’s shelters and rescues for the new requirements, which will take effect on December 15.

“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," said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. 

"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.”

The new requirements, in the areas of veterinary care, documentation, vaccinations, and more.

***Read more on the new regulations here***

Once the new law takes effect, the Department will consider the first year as an educational period that will allow Department inspectors to visit shelters and rescues and advise them on actions needed to make sure the guidelines are met.

New York was the first state in the nation to fund capital projects for animal shelters, and since the launch of the Companion Animal Capital Fund program in 2017, New York has dedicated over $48 million to the program and awarded 161 projects across the state to help with the care of New York’s companion animals.

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