The Department’s Division of Animal Industry works hard to ensure companion animals across the state are properly cared for, have adequate and humane housing, and receive the veterinary care they need while they are awaiting their future homes with their forever families. As part of this, the Division regulates dog licensing, sets standards for humane care of seized dogs and the inspection of municipal shelters, administers the contract for the New York State Animal Population Control Program and the Pet Dealer Inspection Program, and provides training and assistance to local enforcement officers in animal welfare cases.

The Department also administers New York State's Companion Animal Capital Fund, the first state-funded program in the nation to support animal shelter improvement projects. The program provides grants to eligible municipal and incorporated not-for-profit pounds, shelters, humane societies, and rescue facilities to offset the costs associated with capital projects.