Nearly $3.8 million has been awarded to ten animal care organizations across the state through the New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund, which is in its sixth round. The funding will support construction, renovation, and expansion projects that will enhance animal care and health and help ensure adoptions for New York’s dogs and cats. New York is the first state in the nation to fund capital projects for animal shelters.
“New York State’s Companion Animal Capital Fund continues to make a real difference for our shelters and humane societies across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding will better equip these vital facilities with the tools they need to improve the quality of care for animals as they await a permanent, loving home.”
Since the 2017 launch of the Companion Animal Capital Fund program, which is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the State has dedicated over $33 million to the program. This round of funding awarded builds on previous initiatives to offset the costs associated with capital projects run by New York State animal shelters, such as renovating dog kennels, improving medical facilities, or building more efficient shelters to reduce overall operational costs. Projects funded this year include new living spaces for dogs and cats, improved infrastructure, and enhanced outdoor spaces.
Competitive grants were awarded to shelters based on a need assessment, detailed project description, and reasonableness of cost. The following organizations are receiving an award in this round of the program:
- Animal Protective Foundation of Schenectady (Scotia, Schenectady County) – $500,000 to build a new admission entrance and intake facility, create isolation wards and cat housing areas, and install an improved HVAC system.
- Bideawee (New York City, New York County) – $200,000 for roof replacement.
- Chenango SPCA (Norwich, Chenango County) – $500,000 to construct and install isolation and double-sided kennels, including HVAC, septic, plumbing, and electrical systems.
- Country Acres Animal Shelter (Homer, Cortland County) – $289,565.37 to update gates and dividing panels, create two new multi-use rooms, upgrade heating and electrical systems, and create roofing for outdoor spaces.
- Jefferson County SPCA (Watertown, Jefferson County) – $466,292.70 for construction of a new addition, installation of a new HVAC system, and upgraded temperature controls and sound control, and to expand capacity for “Trap-and-Neuter” and low-cost vaccination programs.
- Paw of Orleans County (Albion, Orleans County) – $51,249 to replace cat kennels, upgrade dog enclosures, upgrade HVAC systems, and replace a heat pump.
- Pets Alive (Middletown, Orange County) – $500,000 for new HVAC and installation of kennel equipment, radiant flooring, and acoustical ceiling.
- Town of Southampton (Suffolk County) – $402,608 for kennel replacement and installation of a high-performance epoxy floor system.
- Town of Webster (Webster, Monroe County) – $400,000 to construct dog kennels and rooms and other areas including storage, food preparation, impound housing, and isolation spaces.
- Tri-Lakes Humane Society (Saranac Lake, Franklin County) – $500,000 for plumbing upgrades, installation of sound dampening systems, replacement of ventilation and damaged floors, cat porch improvements, and kennel additions.
