Supporters say it could help families afford rising costs, while some questions remain about access and impact.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — For many New Yorkers, pets are part of the family, but caring for them can come at a high cost.

Now, a bill in Albany aims to help ease that burden.

New York City Assemblymember Steven Raga, a Democrat serving the 30th district in Queens, is sponsoring legislation that would create a tax credit for certain pet expenses, including food and veterinary care.

“The rising cost and affordability is impacting everyday New Yorkers,” Raga told 2 On Your Side, “We’ve seen that with our pets too.” 

Under the proposal, pet owners could receive up to $150 dollars for everyday expenses like food, and up to $300 for veterinary care. The credit would be capped at $450 per pet, for up to two cats or dogs per household, totaling as much as $900 a year.

Raga says the bill is part of a broader effort to address affordability concerns across the state.

“What this bill is trying to impact is making sure life is a little bit more affordable,” he said.

At the SPCA Serving Erie County, staff say they see firsthand how rising costs can affect both families and their pets.

“We see every day, people calling us saying we think we have to surrender our animals because we just cannot afford this pet anymore,” said Gina Lattuca, the organization’s chief communications officer.

While the program could provide some relief, questions remain about how a first-of-its-kind pet tax credit would work in practice, and who it would help most.

“Anything that is given to pet owners to help them afford to keep their animals is something that we find valuable,” Lattuca said. “I think with this particular bill, we just have to make sure that it’s easily accessible. We have to make sure that pet owners don’t have to jump through 20, 30 hoops.”

Still, advocates say even a modest credit could make a difference. 

“For a lot of pet owners, $900 is a lot of money, and that could be the difference between trying to keep a pet, and having to surrender a pet,” Lattuca said.

The bill is currently in committee, but its sponsor says there is growing support to move it forward. If passed, it could impact tax deductions for the 2026 fiscal year. 

For more on SPCA Serving Erie County’s Community Support Services for pet owners, click here, or call 716-875-7360.