New York City Faces Growing Pet Affordability Crisis

Mayor Mamdani urged to make affordable vet care a priority in affordability platform

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York City is facing a growing pet affordability crisis, with over 50% of New Yorkers unable to afford a pet. Shelters are overwhelmed, and the city spends far less on pet care than other major cities. The director of the nonprofit Flatbush Cats argues that Mayor Mamdani has an opportunity to tackle this issue by strengthening the city's animal welfare infrastructure, making basic vet care more affordable, and expanding community support and prevention programs.

Why it matters

The pet affordability crisis in New York City is a significant issue that impacts many families and the city's animal welfare system. Addressing this crisis could improve access to pet ownership, reduce the burden on shelters, and provide much-needed support to pet owners struggling with the high costs of veterinary care.

The details

New York City spends only $2.89 per resident on pet care, compared to $13.70 in Miami and $14.78 in Dallas. Shelters are overwhelmed with animals looking for homes, and 50% of New Yorkers can't afford a pet. The director of Flatbush Cats, a nonprofit that provides low-cost veterinary care, argues that the city needs to strengthen its animal welfare infrastructure, make basic vet care more affordable, and expand community support and prevention programs to tackle this crisis.

  • In 2022, Mayor Zohran Mamdani adopted a cat and is currently undergoing allergy shots to bring a new feline family member into their home.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who is currently adopting a cat and has the opportunity to make affordable vet care a priority in his affordability platform.

Will Zweigart

The executive director of the nonprofit Flatbush Cats, which provides low-cost veterinary care and advocates for expanding access to affordable pet care in New York City.

Flatbush Cats

A nonprofit organization that provides low-cost veterinary care and free monthly vaccine clinics in New York City, demonstrating a model for affordable pet care that can be scaled across the city.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“New York City is facing a growing pet affordability crisis, one that is threatening to get worse.”

— Will Zweigart, Executive Director, Flatbush Cats (citylimits.org)

“Mayor Mamdani has an opportunity to make affordable vet care for all New Yorkers part of his affordability platform.”

— Will Zweigart, Executive Director, Flatbush Cats (citylimits.org)

What’s next

Mayor Mamdani has the opportunity to appoint new leadership to the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare, which could serve as a 'Pet Czar' to strengthen the city's animal welfare infrastructure. Additionally, the mayor could allocate more funding and resources to create new affordable veterinary clinics and expand community support and prevention programs, such as pet food pilot programs, across the city's boroughs.

The takeaway

Addressing the pet affordability crisis in New York City is a critical issue that could improve access to pet ownership, reduce the burden on shelters, and provide much-needed support to pet owners struggling with the high costs of veterinary care. By making affordable vet care a priority, Mayor Mamdani has the opportunity to build a better system for millions of four-legged New Yorkers and their families.