2025-2026 NYS Companion Animal Capital Projects

The Companion Animal Capital Fund is a state-funded grant initiative administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Established through a legislative partnership beginning in the 2017–2018 budget cycle, the fund supports municipal and nonprofit organizations providing shelter services for dogs and cats across New York. In the FY26 budget, a total of $10 million was allocated—split between a $5 million executive proposal and a matching legislative addition. This investment underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to ensuring humane conditions and infrastructure for sheltered animals. The grant supports capital projects that improve the health, safety, and containment of dogs and cats housed in shelters and rescue facilities. Eligible activities include the construction, renovation, rehabilitation, installation, acquisition, or expansion of buildings and equipment. Projects must directly benefit sheltered animals and align with the standards of care established under New York law, with particular attention to heating, ventilation, security, isolation capabilities, and other infrastructure elements vital to animal welfare. Applicants must be municipal or incorporated not-for-profit entities operating pounds, shelters, humane societies, or rescue facilities. Notably, facilities run from private residences are excluded. Organizations must also be prequalified in the NYS Grants Gateway system to submit a proposal. Matching funds are required: grantees must contribute a minimum of 10% of total project costs, verified before contracting. The grant reimburses up to 90% of eligible costs and encourages multi-municipality collaboration through higher funding caps. Proposals are submitted online through the Grants Gateway portal. Submissions must include a detailed project budget, floor plans or specifications, vendor cost estimates, and letters of support from local government or partners. Evaluation is based on demonstrated need, project description, reasonableness of cost, and alignment with the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) guidelines. Projects are rated and funded based on score rankings until funds are exhausted. The deadline for the 2023–2024 application cycle was January 29, 2024. Projects must commence within three months of contract approval and be completed within two years. Quarterly and final reports are required for continued reimbursement and compliance. Though the current cycle has closed, the program is recurring and applicants can anticipate a similar application timeline for future funding rounds. For inquiries, applicants were directed to contact Ana Colon, LVT, at the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets via Ana.Colon@agriculture.ny.gov or 10B Airline Drive, Albany, NY 12235. Updates and responses to applicant questions are posted on the department’s funding opportunities page.

Proposals should cite ASV standards and demonstrate local support; align with new shelter standards effective 2025.