Budget Boost for Animal Shelter Improvements

ONEONTA, 04/24/17 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I/Ref-Oneonta) today announced that the recently approved state budget includes $5 million for the creation of a Companion Animal Capital Fund.  The first of its kind fund will provide humane societies, nonprofits, and municipal shelters with grants for capital projects through a competitive application process.

“Animal shelters are a haven for the animals they care for while also providing a vital community service,” said Senator Seward.  “Unfortunately, many shelters are in desperate need of funding just to provide food and basic care for the animals they house, and capital improvements are routinely placed on the back burner - this new state grant will change that.”

Nonprofit animal shelter facilities are often overcrowded and rely heavily on donations.  Municipal shelters, funded by local governments, can also struggle financially. Currently, humane societies, independent animal shelters, and nonprofits do not receive direct state funding for the essential services that they provide to communities throughout the state. This Companion Animal Capital Fund will allow for high-quality capital improvements that are often too expensive for shelters to consider.

Susquehanna Animal Shelter Executive Director Stacie Haynes said, “Senator Seward has always been a friend of the Susquehanna Animal Shelter and we are extremely grateful for his support of this new state funding opportunity.  As we work to fulfill our mission, caring for and finding homes for companion animals, we must deal with many budgetary demands and capital improvements, while needed, are just not financially feasible.  The Companion Animal Capital Fund offers new possibilities.”   

“I have visited the Susquehanna Animal Shelter and have worked with the caring individuals who operate the facility to assist them whenever possible.  Our shelters are always there, and they are often called to help in cases of animal cruelty or other headline grabbing events.  These unforeseen instances are costly and can quickly deplete shelter resources.  Now, with an alternate funding stream available, shelters will have a chance to move forward on long-awaited improvement projects,” added Seward.

The Companion Animal Capital Fund will be administered by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets. Projects will have to be shovel ready and the shelters will have to provide matching funds in order to show the readiness of the capital project.

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