With costs rising for just about everything, New York City pet owners just got some news that could help their bottom line. The city’s budget for fiscal year 2027, which was signed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani on July 1, is set to include programs that will make pet ownership more affordable to those struggling.
The programs include expanding access to free or low-cost spay and neuter services, which will mean fewer unwanted animals abandoned at shelters, and, for the first time, creating pet food pantries to provide free food so no pet goes hungry.
For a total investment of $1.5 million, the city will grow its existing spay and neuter program with a $750,000 infusion in 2027, up about $250,000 from the prior year. A separate $750,000 will be allocated to launch the city’s first-ever pet food pantry pilot program, according to the council’s animal welfare caucus…