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NY A08375
Bill
Status
5/13/2025
Primary Sponsor
Linda Rosenthal
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AI Summary
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Requires the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, in consultation with the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, to create a comprehensive co-shelter toolkit to help housing providers accommodate people with companion animals
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Addresses barriers for domestic violence victims and homeless individuals who avoid shelters because pets are not allowed, citing survey data showing 48% of respondents feared abusers harming their pets and 50% would not seek shelter without pet accommodation
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Toolkit must include introductory information on homelessness and domestic violence involving companion animals, partnership building guidance with veterinarians and animal welfare organizations, and case studies of successful co-shelter programs
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Requires toolkit components on systems-level response (data collection, coordinated entry, housing options), program design (low-barrier pet-inclusive policies, housing design), and worker training (animal behavior, hygiene, cruelty laws)
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Takes effect 120 days after becoming law, with the toolkit to be made accessible via website, social media, and newsletters with outreach to ensure wide distribution
Legislative Description
Establishes a co-shelter toolkit of best practices, resources, case studies and other information deemed helpful to inform and encourage the implementation and sustenance of co-shelter models for victims of domestic violence and people experiencing homelessness with companion animals; makes related provisions.
Last Action
referred to social services
1/7/2026