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Housing that welcomes people and pets benefits housing providers, renters, and communities. Learn more in Pet-Inclusive Housing in NYC: A Guide on Best Practices, a new resource from the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare and the Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative (PIHI), a Michelson Found Animals program.
A new public information campaign aims to help more of New York’s “boroughbreds” find homes. The ads focus on larger dogs, who are often overlooked despite being well-suited for city living. Many of these dogs are housetrained, affectionate, and make excellent companions — they just need someone who knows that big dogs can be lapdogs. See the video.
A state-of-the-art Bronx Animal Care Center will bring a much-needed community resource to the borough, and is anticipated to open in 2026.
The new Paul A. Vallone Queens Animal Care Center represents the City’s ongoing commitment to its furriest, four-legged residents – as well as their human families.
Hundreds of different species call the Big Apple home. From soaring hawks to curious coyotes, it’s no surprise that we encounter animals everywhere from our parks and greenspaces to our roads and roofs. After all, they’re New Yorkers, too!
Welcome
The Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare has the power to advise and assist the Mayor in the coordination and cooperation among City agencies that are involved in animal welfare administration, regulation, management or programs, and is the City's liaison regarding animal welfare needs and concerns.
The Office recognizes the many connections between human and (non-human) animal well-being, and aims to foster a more humane city for all.
The Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare has four main focus areas:
- Companion Animals
- Wildlife
- Working Animals
- Human Dimensions of Animal Welfare
Quick Links
Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC)
ACC, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization contracted by the City of New York to provide animal-sheltering services across the five boroughs, has information on adopting and fostering animals, volunteering, resources to help pets stay with their families, and more.
WildlifeNYC
Hundreds of different species call the Big Apple home. NYC.gov/wildlife is your go-to resource to learn more about urban wildlife, including raccoons, deer, coyotes, and more.
NYC 311
Report concerns about animals—including abandoned pets, sick or injured animals, animal abuse, and more—to 311. (Call 911 to report animal abuse in progress).
Climate Action Guide
Switching to just one plant-based meal per week can reduce your carbon footprint considerably. Learn more ways to help our planet, health and animals with this guide from the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice.