Millions of Americans are struggling to afford veterinary care, and New York is at the center of the crisis. Nearly 50% of New Yorkers — including 4.7 million NYC residents — can't afford a basic vet visit. Rising costs and housing instability are forcing families to surrender beloved pets to overcrowded shelters.
Every year, Animal Care Centers of NYC takes in more than 15,000 animals, while adoption rates fail to keep pace. Since 2020, the average shelter stay has tripled.
New York City spends just $2.89 per resident on animal care, and less than 1% goes toward prevention programs that help keep pets with their families. Affordable veterinary care, spay/neuter services, pet food support, and community outreach reduce shelter overcrowding before it starts.
We urge New York leaders to fund low-cost veterinary clinics, spay/neuter services, pet food pantries, and emergency support programs so families can keep the pets they love.
Sign now to help keep pets out of shelters and with their families.
I am writing as a New Yorker who believes every pet deserves access to affordable veterinary care, regardless of income or zip code. Please support funding for spay/neuter services and pet food distribution in NYC's budget.
Across New York City, families are struggling to afford basic veterinary services like wellness exams, vaccinations, emergency treatment, and spay/neuter care. Rising costs are forcing too many people to delay care, surrender beloved pets, and face heartbreaking decisions because help is out of reach.
Affordable veterinary care should not be a luxury; it is essential to public health, animal welfare, and keeping families together. But right now, 50% of New Yorkers cannot afford a basic vet visit.
Organizations like Flatbush Cats are working every day to fill critical gaps by providing access to veterinary services, supporting pet owners in crisis, and preventing unnecessary suffering and shelter intake. But the need continues to grow faster than available resources - and the city must lead here.
As the City Council considers funding decisions, I urge you to support investments in programs that expand access to affordable veterinary care across New York City. Funding these lifesaving services will:
- Help families keep their pets healthy and in their homes
- Reduce overcrowding in animal shelters and rescues
- Keep pets off the street through accessible spay/neuter services
- Improve the quality of life for New Yorkers
New Yorkers care deeply about their pets and their communities. I am asking the City Council to recognize affordable veterinary care as a critical community need and provide meaningful support for spay/neuter services and pet food distribution in NYC's budget.
Thank you for your leadership and for considering this important issue.
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