Support for People with Pets

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Support for People with Pets

New Yorkers across the city, of all income levels and with varying resources, have beloved companion animals and benefit from the human-animal bond. For many, accessing care for these family members can be a challenge. While there is a need for more accessible pet care, several resources exist. 

The Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare has compiled a list* here, but please contact the organizations directly for the most up-to-date information. If you want to volunteer and help these groups do more, many of them may have ways for you to get involved.

In addition to the links categorized below, people with pets can visit the following pet resource databases maintained by national organizations:

Reduced/Low-Cost Vaccinations and Veterinary Care, Including Spay/Neuter

  • The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), using funds from the Animal Population Control Program, provides contracted free and low-cost spay and neuter services through the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). DOHMH also provides links to additional resources. Visit nyc.gov/spayneuter for more information.
  • Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) has compiled lists of independent, low-cost veterinary services and spay/neuter options available on their Community Resources page (scroll down to “Available Resources – Low-Cost Vet Care”).
    • ACC staff may also be able to connect pet owners with reduced or free routine veterinary care, including vaccines and spay/neuter appointments, as well as funding for emergency veterinary care.
  • The Mayor's Alliance for NYC’s Animals (The Alliance) — a nonprofit organization separate from the Mayor’s Office — maintains a Reduced-Cost Veterinary Care page listing veterinary providers, payment plans, and financial assistance programs.

Pet Food / Supplies

  • The ASPCA’s Community Engagement (CE) program may be able to provide free or subsidized pet supplies to low-income New Yorkers.
  • Animal Haven’s Community Engagement Program may be able to assist with pet supplies, including pet food.
  • ACC may be able to provide pet owners with supplies such as food, litter, harnesses, etc.
  • It’s not guaranteed, but possible that local food pantries may have pet food on hand. Visit Food Help NYC to find nearby pantries.
  • The donateNYC Directory, which residents can use to locate places to find (as well as give) items, includes a Pet Care/Food category.
    • donateNYC recommends checking with the organization/business listed before dropping off or picking up items.

  • PuppyKittyNYC runs a foodbank for 501(c)3 animal rescue organizations. Any such organization interested in the program can email foodbank@puppykittynyc.org.

Behavior/Training Resources

Resources for Older Adults and People Living with an Illness or Disability

Grooming

  • The ASPCA’s CE program may be able to provide free or subsidized grooming to low-income New Yorkers. They also have a series of Grooming 101 videos.

Housing

  • Animal Haven’s Community Engagement Program offers short-term boarding options, primarily for emotional support animals whose guardians are experiencing temporary crises such as hospitalization or housing transitions. While space is limited and placement is not guaranteed, the program aims to keep people and their animals together whenever possible. Those in need are encouraged to reach out to explore available support and discuss eligibility.
  • PAWS NY runs a Hospital Respite Program for individuals who are hospitalized or in a physical rehabilitation facility, as well as a Substance Use Recovery Program for individuals seeking inpatient treatment for substance use. They also assist with emergency fostering for domestic violence survivors seeking safety, and can be reached at referrals@pawsny.org or 212-203-4760, ext. 306.
  • The ASPCA’s CE program may be able to provide free or subsidized temporary boarding.
  • Safe Havens for Pets from the Animal Welfare Institute is a national directory of entities (searchable by state or zip code) that “provide sheltering services for the animals of domestic violence survivors or the unhoused, have a relationship with an entity that does, or provide referrals to such facilities.”
  • Sheltering Animals & Families Together (SAF-T) maintains a state-by-state list of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters.
  • New York City’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline can help connect New Yorkers with emergency shelter options, including programs that may allow them to remain safely with their pet. When calling 1-800-621-HOPE (4673), individuals can tell the advocate that they are seeking safety with a pet so that they can explore pet friendly shelters and other resources together.
  • RedRover offers Safe Escape grants to help domestic violence survivors pay for pet boarding and associated costs.

End-of-Life Services and Pet Loss Support

ACC offers low-cost humane end-of-life services for the pets of clients whose income prevents using a private veterinarian. Please see this page for more information, as well as pet loss support resources.

Rehoming Pets

For those facing a challenge caring for or keeping their pet, ACC and other organizations may have resources that could help families stay together. If keeping a pet is not possible, there are also resources that can help with finding them a new home, and shelters where they can be surrendered. ACC has more information on rehoming pets.


*Please note, since several other sites/organizations, including ACC, already maintain detailed lists, we have not listed every available resource or provider on this page. Our general aim is to serve as a central location for New Yorkers to find additional information. Inclusion of any organization on this website does not constitute an endorsement, warranty, or representation by MOAW or the City of New York regarding the organization’s competence, reliability, or suitability.