Delaware County People & Pets Need Help—We Can’t Wait Any Longer - PART 3

New York Takes Bold Action — Now Pennsylvania Must Follow

In November 2025, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $10 million in funding is available to support animal shelter improvements across her state through the Companion AnimalCapital Fund — the eighth round of this pioneering program. This state-run initiative provides grants for urgent capital projects such as kennel renovations, medical facility upgrades, HVAC and safety system improvements, and expansions that increase shelter capacity and animal welfare. Of the total, $1 million is reserved for rescue organizations not under municipal contracts, helping independent shelters that often operate without public funding.

Since its inception in 2017, the Companion Animal Capital Fund has dedicated more than $48 million to 161 projects statewide, helping facilities modernize and improve care while increasing adoption opportunities for dogs and cats.

This leadership from New York sets an important example. While shelters in many states — including Pennsylvania — struggle with aging facilities, limited capacity, and a constant influx of animals in need, New York’s funding initiative shows what’s possible when a state government prioritizes animal welfare infrastructure.

Why Pennsylvania Needs Similar Funding

Right now, Pennsylvania does not have a statewide capital fund dedicated to animal shelter upgrades anywhere near the scale of New York’s program. Many Pennsylvania shelters and rescues operate out of outdated buildings, with limited space for medical care, safe housing, or expanded intake — challenges that directly impact animal wellbeing and adoption outcomes.

A statewide funding initiative in Pennsylvania could:

• Help shelters modernize and expand to meet current and future needs.
• Reduce overcrowding and improve health outcomes for animals in care.
• Support nonprofit and municipal shelters alike, especially smaller organizations that struggle to raise capital for infrastructure upgrades.
• Increase adoption rates by creating more humane, welcoming environments for animals waiting for their forever homes.

How We Can Make It Happen

Getting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s attention and support for this issue is the first step toward change. Here’s how the community can act:

📣 Raise Awareness: Share New York’s example with local lawmakers, shelter leaders, and animal advocates to show what’s possible with dedicated funding.

✉️ Contact Elected Officials: Write to Governor Shapiro and your state representatives to express support for a Pennsylvania companion animal capital fund. Personal stories from volunteers, adopters, and shelter workers are especially impactful.

🤝 Build Coalitions: Shelters, rescues, and animal welfare nonprofits across Pennsylvania can work together to advocate for similar legislation — uniting voices will amplify our message.

💬 Use Social Media & Local Press: Share updates, statistics, and community voices to spotlight the need for shelter infrastructure funding.

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but when a neighboring state takes action, it gives us both hope and a blueprint for success. Now is the time for Pennsylvania to take a stand for better shelter care, improved outcomes for homeless animals, and a more compassionate community.

Podcast | Grants For Rescues & Shelters from the Companion Animal Capital Fund

Letter to Animal Sheltering Community Members (NY)