New York City has a program meant to reduce the number of unwanted stray dogs and cats. It offers no- and low-cost spay/neuter services to eligible pet owners.

But a 2026 review by the New York City Comptroller found that the city has not used the program to its full potential.

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene relied only on dog-licensing surcharge revenue. It did not seek added public or private funding, even though city law allows it to do so. The review found that the ASPCA performed 6,733 sterilization surgeries from fiscal years 2023 through 2025. That was 3,927 fewer than expected under the contract.

Affordable spay and neuter access saves lives.

Shelters Are Already Under Strain

The same review found that 44,381 dogs and cats entered Animal Care Centers of NYC shelters from fiscal years 2023 through 2025. More than 25,000 were strays. More than 18,000 were relinquished by owners.

Those numbers show why prevention matters.

ABC7 New York reported in 2025 that Animal Care Centers of NYC had more than 1,000 animals in care and suspended non-emergency pet intake because of critical capacity issues.

National data shows the pressure is not limited to one city. The ASPCA says 5.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. shelters and rescues in 2025, and about 597,000 were euthanized.

Low-cost veterinary care keeps pets with families.

Affordable Care Can Prevent Crisis

NYC Health says spaying and neutering helps reduce pet overpopulation and notes that city funds support contracted free and low-cost services through the ASPCA.

The New York City Council approved $500,000 in fiscal year 2026 funding for a program expected to support 3,500 cat surgeries for rescue, Trap-Neuter-Return volunteers, and pet owners. BK Reader reported that Flatbush Cats will lead that pilot effort.

That step helps. It is not enough.

The city should expand funding, add providers, support community cat programs, publish program data, and make appointments easier to access in every borough.

Dogs and cats should not have to enter crowded shelters before the city acts.

Sign the petition to urge New York City leaders to fully fund spay/neuter access and help keep pets out of crisis.