Bill could give tax credit to New Yorkers who adopt pets

Fido might soon be able to pay you back for taking him out of a shelter.

Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras introduced to the City Council on Thursday a bill that would offer a $100 state tax credit to New Yorkers who have adopted a dog or cat from a shelter.

If the bill is taken up by the New York State Legislature and passed, it would make New York the first state to offer such a credit in the nation.

“Encouraging New Yorkers with a tax credit to adopt pets is not only compassionate but would bring relief to our overburdened animal shelters and to animal lovers who want to adopt but are weary of the initial costs,” Ferreras said. “In addition, the companionship of a pet has proven health and social benefits for adults and children.”

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State Senator Kevin Parker is the prime sponsor of the bill in the state Senate.

“Councilwoman Ferreras’ resolution in support of my Senate bill S. 2894 provides a tax credit incentive to help offset adoption fees, vaccinations and initial pet care, significantly cutting the public cost of caring, feeding and providing medical care to pets that are often euthanized with an alternative and happier solution,” Parker said. “ Ferreras’ noteworthy resolution sets an example for other cities to do the same.”

According to statistics provided by the councilwoman, Animal Care & Control of New York City, the city’s contracted animal rescue organization, took in 29,809 cats and dogs between October 2013 and September 2014. Out of that number, over 6,100 were adopted.

“We have so many wonderful animals looking for loving homes each and every day, and welcome initiatives such as a pet tax credit that may encourage more New Yorkers to help make a difference for our city’s homeless cats and dogs,” said Risa Weinstock, executive director of Animal Care & Control.

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