Recalls & regulatory
NYC adds free dog and cat food to 22 city-funded food pantries
New York City is paying for pet food at pantries in all five boroughs, aiming to keep pets out of shelters as living costs climb.
VetStack NewsSource: dvm360
What the city launched
Starting October 19, people who use 22 city-funded food pantries in New York City can get free dog and cat food along with their groceries, according to dvm360. The Office of the Mayor announced the program on October 15.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the New York City Council, the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare and the city's Department of Social Services are running it together. The city said this is the first time its own pantries will offer free pet food.
Funding and locations
The city has set aside $78 million for food distribution in fiscal year 2027, plus another $500,000 for pet food at the participating pantries. There are six pantries in Brooklyn, six in Manhattan, four in the Bronx, four in Queens and two on Staten Island.
The city's announcement lists each site, but it doesn't explain who qualifies or how to sign up. Officials said the administration and the council have also put money into spay and neuter services, though they didn't give an amount.
