The New York State Animal Population Control Program (APCP) is a low-cost spay/neuter grant program administered by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA) on behalf of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Eligibility

The following types of organizations are eligible to apply for APCP grant funds:

• New York municipal or county animal shelters and animal control; or

• New York-based 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organizations, including low-cost spay/neuter clinics

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must meet the following organizational standards: 

• Incorporated and in good standing with the New York Department of State 

• This means that you meet all state-imposed requirements, which may include filing reports/forms, paying required fees, appointing a registered agent, etc. 

• Registered and in good standing with the New York State Office of the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau 

• This means that, if applicable, you are registered and file annual financial reports with the Bureau. 

• Any organization that conducts charitable activities, holds property that is used for charitable purposes, or solicits financial or other contributions. 

• 501(c)(3) exemption is current. 

• Board of Directors includes at least 4 Board Members.

• Majority of the Board of Directors is independent. 

• This means that fewer than half of your Board members can be paid employees and/or family members or close relatives. 

• Board Chair and Treasurer are not compensated by the organization.

As required by New York State law, the allocation of APCP grants is restricted to entities providing lowcost spay/neuter services for dogs and cats to New York State residents who receive public assistance or who have adopted a dog or cat from a qualified nonprofit or government organization (“Designated Beneficiaries”). 

To be eligible, Designated Beneficiaries and their pets must meet the following criteria: 

-The animal must be a cat, kitten, dog, or puppy. 

-The pet parent presenting their pet for sterilization must provide proof of residence in New York State. 

-The pet parent presenting their pet for sterilization must provide proof of ONE of the following forms of eligibility: 

• Participation in one of the following programs: 

-food stamps 

-supplemental security income for the aged, blind, and disabled 

-low-income housing assistance 

-Family Assistance 

-Safety Net Assistance 

-Medical Assistance 

-other similar programs suggested by applicants or the ASPCA and approved by the Agriculture and Markets Commissioner 

OR 

-Adoption from a government shelter or nonprofit animal welfare organization located within the State.

Regardless of the above criteria, pets adopted from organizations whose adoption fees include the cost of spay/neuter services are NOT eligible for spay/neuter services through grant projects funded with APCP funds.

Please Note:

• Submit one project per application. If your organization is seeking APCP funding for more than one project, it is acceptable to submit multiple applications. 

• Organizations may reapply through the normal process at any time. 

• There are no deadlines to submit applications. 

• There are no minimums or maximums for requested grant amounts. However, funded grant amounts may differ from requested amounts. incomplete applications will not be considered. 

• Counties may apply for exemption from the APCP. See below for details. 

• Organizations located in counties that are exempt from the APCP, including the five boroughs, may apply for APCP funds. If funds are awarded, they may only be used for spay/neuter services for Designated Beneficiaries residing in counties outside of the exempt county.