Director's Message
A belated Happy Thanksgiving to all, and a heartfelt thank you to the many New Yorkers whose compassion and commitment to animal well-being helps make this a more humane city for everyone.
Read on for new resources related to animals in housing, service and emotional support animals, cats on NYCHA developments, and support for people with pets; updates on NYC squirrels and horses; and information on the Companion Animal Care Standards Act. We're also excited to share a new public information campaign promoting big dogs available for foster and adoption from Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC)!
Wishing you all the best for the holiday season and beyond,
Alexandra Silver
Director, NYC Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare
Keeping Animals in NYC Housing
Many companion animals are surrendered to animal shelters because of housing-related issues, some directly related to animals (for example, pet-restrictive policies) and some not. Yet both people and pets benefit when families can stay together.
In some situations, New Yorkers have the right to keep an animal, even if their lease prohibits pets.
The Keeping Animals in NYC Housing flyer from the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare and the interagency Tenant Protection Cabinet highlights protections for tenants with pets and assistance animals, and is available in English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), and Spanish.
Information on tenant support resources, laws pertaining to animals in housing, what happens to animals in evictions, and pet rehoming and surrender options is also available on the updated MOAW page on Animals and Housing, Evictions. The website also features a new page on Service and Emotional Support Animals and another one on Support for People with Pets. Please share with anyone you think would find these resources useful!
Big Dogs Can Be Lapdogs!
 New York is a big city, and we've got some big dogs. Literally.
Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) has wonderful animals, aka "boroughbreds," in need of foster and adoption. To help the bigger boroughbreds find homes, we're rolling out an ad campaign!
Too often larger dogs are overlooked, when they could be the perfect fit. They're often housetrained, make great companions, and do well in apartments – they just need someone who knows that big dogs can be lapdogs.
In December, keep an eye (and an ear) out for this message on LinkNYC, 311, and other platforms. Whether people can foster for a few weeks or are ready to adopt, ACC makes it easy by providing supplies and support. View available animals and learn more at nycacc.org!
Also... that beauty representing Queens in the campaign? It's Miss Missy, who has just been adopted after more than 600 days!
Cats on NYCHA Developments
 Outdoor cats without owners—though they may have caretakers—live across the five boroughs, including at New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments. These "community cats" can be friendly or feral (unsocialized to and fearful of humans) and can create significant challenges if left unaddressed. Humane and effective Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs reduce their numbers over time and can minimize public nuisance issues, creating a healthier environment for both the cats and the community.
The Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare and NYCHA have created an informational flyer for NYCHA residents with details on whom to contact about cats, sealed crawlspaces, resources for cat owners, and more. The flyer is available, along with more information about community cats and TNR, on the MOAW website.
Coming Together to Help Squirrels
 In September, community members and animal advocates expressed concern about squirrels in the construction site at East River Park, which the City is rebuilding at a higher elevation as part of the flood protection being provided by the East Side Coastal Resiliency project.
The Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare, Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and their contractors, and NYC Parks Department came together to help address the concerns.
Ultimately, 21 squirrels were transferred from the park to the Wildlife Freedom Foundation (WFF), a nonprofit animal rescue and rehabilitation organization run by New York State and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator Rossana Ceruzzi. A big thank you to WFF for their generous support and all they do for animals in NYC!
The Eastern Grey Squirrel is one of several species profiled on the WildlifeNYC website, your go-to resource to learn more about urban wildlife.
Carriage Horses in NYC
In September, Mayor Adams announced his support to end the use of horse-drawn carriages in Central Park. He called on the New York City Council to pass legislation and signed Executive Order 56 to prepare for the end of the horse carriage industry in New York, strengthen oversight and enforcement over the industry until the Council passes the bill, create a process for voluntary return of licenses, and identify new employment opportunities for those in this industry.
In November, the New York City Council Health Committee voted against advancing Intro. 962, a bill that would have banned horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, to the full Council.
Recently, the Mayor's Office has expanded the scope of the Central Park Conservancy Partnership to include horse carriage compliance through interagency and cross-sector coordination between NYPD, NYC Parks Enforcement Patrol, and the Central Park Conservancy Ranger Corps.
Companion Animal Care Standards Act
Beginning December 15, animal shelters and rescues that adopt out animals in New York must be licensed (not just registered) with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM), in accordance with the Companion Animal Care Standards Act / AGM Law Article 26-C.
More information, including links to an informational webinar from AGM and another one specifically for foster-based rescues done in conjunction with the New York State Animal Protection Federation (NYSAPF), is available on the AGM website. The NYSAPF Education Fund is offering consultations to shelters and rescues to help them meet the standards, and their website also has many resources.
Animal Spotlight: Harper and Chico
It's been more than 460 days since beautiful Harper came in to Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC). This "perfect embodiment of warmth and affection" and "absolute lovebug" is also a "toy connoisseur." She's ready to join you for walks in the park, car rides, and adventures across the city!
More of a cat person? Cute kitty Chico has been at ACC since early August 2025. This "handsome house panther," approximately five years old, loves cheek rubs, head bunts, and exploring once he feels safe."
View Harper (animal ID: 124668), Chico (animal ID 233863) and other "boroughbreds" available for adoption from ACC at nycacc.app.
Not in a position to adopt? Consider fostering!
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