Every day in New York, adoptable pets are losing their lives. Not because they’re dangerous or unwell, but because there’s simply nowhere for them to go. 

We’re calling on Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State to partner with Have A Heart Adopt A Pet Foundation Inc. to launch Adopt A Pet NY—a proven Public-Private Partnership that helps shelters, supports rescuers, and gives animals the second chance they deserve.

The Crisis in Our Shelters
From Buffalo to Brooklyn to the beaches of Montauk, local shelters and rescues are stretched to breaking point. The introduction of Article 26-C (though well-intended) is making it even harder for smaller organizations to keep going. Many lack the resources to meet new legal demands, and without support, they risk shutting their doors.

It’s especially devastating because so much of this work is led by women. For decades, they’ve been the backbone of the system. Now, they’re being sidelined.

This isn’t just a crisis of capacity. It’s also a matter of fairness and equity.

Governor Hochul has the opportunity to lead with both compassion and action by standing with the people doing the work and the animals whose lives depend on it.

A Scalable Solution That Works
Adopt A Pet NY is built on a successful model already implemented across Long Island. This partnership combines state resources with the grassroots reach of shelters and rescues to drive adoptions and reduce shelter overcrowding.

The goal is clear. Connect more people with adoptable pets, and support the organizations making it possible.

A Future We Can Build Together
As part of this proposal, we’re also developing the PAL-Map, a digital network of participating shelters and rescues across the state. It will:

●        Help adopters find trusted, local organizations

●        Boost visibility and support for smaller rescues

●        Build a more connected and collaborative rescue community

But to make this a reality, we need participation, and we need state support.

Take Action
We’re calling on New York State to join Have A Heart Adopt A Pet Foundation Inc. in launching Adopt A Pet NY.

To every animal lover, adopter, and advocate—we can’t do this without you.

Sign this petition. Share it. Help us make it possible for every shelter pet to find a new home.