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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline DECEMBER 26, 2025 | The Indian Eye 15

Mayor Adams qnnounces Citywide

Initiative to make Housing more Inclusive

for New Yorkers with Pets

Multi-Agency Initiative Will Expand Access to Pet-Friendly Housing, Shelters, and Resources Across New York City

OUR BUREAU
NEW YORK, NY
ew York City Mayor Eric Ad-
ams continued his administra-
Ntion’s efforts to be the most
pro-housing administration in city
history by announcing a coordinated,
citywide initiative to make housing
more inclusive for New Yorkers with
pets, whether they are in permanent
or temporary housing. Through new
and expanded programs across the
Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare,
the New York City Department of
Homeless Services (DHS), the New
York City Department of Hous-
ing Preservation and Development
(HPD), the New York City Human
Resources Administration (HRA),
and the New York City Housing Au-
thority (NYCHA), the city is working
to ensure no New Yorker is forced and modernize animal care facilities Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative to housing lottery. Currently, HPD’s af-
to choose between their home and in every borough, and it reflects our encourage pet-inclusive policies fordable housing programs only ap-
their pet while simultaneously alle- commitment to building a more com- among landlords and property man- ply to families living with assistance
viating shelter intake and expand- passionate, inclusive city for all New agers; Educating New Yorkers on animals, following fair housing stan-
ing the pool of potential adopters, a Yorkers, human and animal alike.” tenant legal protections through a dards.
need underscored by Animal Care “This initiative makes our housing detailed Keeping Pets in New York NYCHA launched a Pet Policy
Centers of NYC (ACC). By reducing and shelter systems more responsive City Housing flyer developed with Education and Engagement Project
housing-related barriers to pet own- to the realities of New Yorkers’ lives,” the Tenant Protection Cabinet; and to enhance awareness and compli-
ership, which is a leading factor in pet said Deputy Mayor for Administra- joining with “My Dog Is My Home’s” ance with NYCHA’s pet, service an-
surrenders and a major contributor tion and Chief of Staff Camille Jo- Co-Sheltering Collaborative to cre- imal, and emotional support animal
to the high populations in the city’s seph Varlack. “For many people, pets ate a New York City working group policies, and to connect residents
animal shelters, the Adams adminis- are members of the family, yet out- in October 2025 focused on keeping with animal care resources. The proj-
tration is working to ensure no New dated rules, especially those affecting people and pets together. ect will: Create a resource library on
Yorker is forced to choose between large dogs and certain breeds, have These efforts reflect the Adams NYCHA’s website to connect res-
their home and their pet. created unnecessary barriers. By administration’s broader commit- idents with animal care resources;
“Every New Yorker deserves the aligning policies across agencies, we ment to fair, inclusive, and com- Provide opportunities for animal
stability of a home, and for so many are giving families clearer options so passionate housing policies that care organizations to participate in
of us, that home includes a beloved they can stay together while accessing recognize the vital role pets play in family day events for resident leaders
pet,” said Mayor Adams. “This ini- the housing and support they need.” people’s lives and contributes to and residents who express interest;
tiative sends a clear message: no one PROMOTING PET making New York City the best place Expand staff training to strengthen
should ever have to choose between INCLUSIVITY ACROSS ALL to raise a family. policy implementation, with a focus
keeping a roof over their head and HOUSING SECTORS HPD aims to create a policy that on helping residents meet pet care
keeping their family together. By establishes a clear, enforceable stan- and management (e.g. spay/neuter,
reducing barriers to pet-inclusive he Mayor’s Office of Animal dard for pet inclusivity across pub- leash rules, etc.); and Conduct a
housing and strengthening the pro- Welfare will lead several city- licly financed housing developments. resident survey to collect feedback
grams that support both people and Twide initiatives to promote HPD is committed to reviewing the and guide future improvements to
animals, we are easing pressure on pet-inclusive housing policies and marketing guidelines for affordable pet policies.
our animal shelter system, prevent- protections for New Yorkers with housing leased through Housing DHS will expand pet-inclusive
ing unnecessary surrenders, and ex- pets, regardless of pet size or breed, Connect. The goal is to update the shelter models across the city, sup-
panding the pool of loving adopters. across the public and private sectors. guidelines, ensuring that pet own- porting both families and individuals
This work builds on our administra- These efforts include: Partnering ers are eligible to live in housing experiencing homelessness. Planned
tion’s historic investments to expand with the Michelson Found Animals’ units leased through the affordable actions include:

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