Article 26-C of New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law Imposes New Operational Standards on Animal Shelters

Article 26-C of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, which took effect on December 15, 2025, imposed stricter standards for animal shelters across the state. The new law affects how animal shelters operate by requiring improved veterinary care, specific housing standards, daily exercise for animals, enhanced licensing requirements, staff training, standards for foster care providers and more. West Group Law (“WGL”) is actively advising clients on the implementation of these new requirements and assisting animal shelters in ensuring full compliance with Article 26-C.

The New York State Animal Protection Federation (the “Federation”) indicated that adoption fees are unlikely to rise as the costs associated with animal care are already factored into the adoption process. The Federation also emphasized that smaller animal shelters with limited budgets should not be significantly affected by the required upgrades, as the standards are based on recommendations made in 2010. Shelters that did not previously meet these standards were given three years to prepare, meaning the requirements themselves are more than 15 years old.

The Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets added that the Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund has already distributed more than $48 million to help animal shelters make necessary improvements. During the first year of enforcement, inspectors will focus on education rather than penalties. Inspectors will visit shelters to identify areas of noncompliance and provide guidance on how to meet the new standards. The Department of Agriculture and Markets emphasized that the goal is to bring organizations into compliance, not to punish them. Ultimately, these changes to the law are designed to ensure consistent, humane care for animals across New York’s shelters.

Attorneys at WGL have represented municipalities and public entities across the country for more than 30 years in connection with water and wastewater matter, litigation, environmental and regulatory matters, solid waste issues, transportation, general municipal law, civic projects, structuring request for proposals, contract negotiations, alternative project delivery methods, land use development, construction law, animal management services, and more. WGL attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and can assist municipalities and public entities in a variety of matters.

For more information please contact Managing Partner Teno West at:

 twest@westgrouplaw.com or at 917-922-6226.