ALBANY, NY – New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey is sponsoring new legislation to exempt pet food from the state sales tax, offering financial relief for New York pet owners stretched by rising costs.

 

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Our pets are our family, and at a time when we need to do everything we can to lower costs in New York, our legislation is a smart way to help people save money on pet food, which is often the biggest expense for pet parents. Making pet food a little more affordable is also a way to help keep pets with their forever families, and not force New Yorkers to surrender a beloved companion because the cost of caring for them has become unsustainable. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation alongside Assemblyman Keith Powers and look forward to getting it passed through both houses.”
 

Assemblyman Keith Powers said, “Pets are considered family. They bring emotional support, companionship, and stability to millions of New Yorkers, and we should be doing everything we can to make it easier and more affordable to care for them. I’m proud to have introduced this legislation that can put savings back in the pockets of New Yorkers caring for pets.”

 

Libby Post, Executive Director of the New York State Animal Protection Federation, said, “Anything we can do to ease the burden at the cash register for pet owners is a welcome relief given the present state of our economy. We don’t pay sales tax on the food humans eat. Companion animals are part of our family. We shouldn’t have to pay sales tax to feed them either. This measure will go a long way in helping cash strapped pets owners feed their pets and ease the burden on local pet food pantries.”

 

“Most people consider their pets to be part of the family, but the rising costs of pet care and basic needs can force families to make an impossible choice between keeping their pet or keeping a roof over their head,” said Bill Ketzer, ASPCA Senior Director of State Legislation for the Eastern Division. “Pets play a pivotal role in our lives, regardless of income level, and we thank Senator Hinchey for leading efforts to remove barriers for pet owners to help keep animals in loving homes and out of shelters.”

 

“At the Ulster County SPCA, we believe that no one should ever have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their beloved pets," said Gina Carbonari, Executive Director of Ulster SPCA. "By aligning the tax status of pet food with that of human groceries, New York State can provide meaningful, everyday relief to pet owners. This isn't just about saving a few dollars at the register; it's about keeping pets in their homes and out of shelters. We urge our local representatives and the leadership in Albany to pass this common-sense legislation. Recognizing pets as the essential companions they are is a step toward a more compassionate and affordable New York."

 

According to a CBS News analysis, pet food prices have increased by more than 20% since 2022, with the average annual cost of dog food for New Yorkers roughly $750. Hinchey’s bill serves as the Senate companion to A.10815, sponsored by Assemblymember Keith Powers. If signed into law, pet owners in New York would no longer have to pay state sales tax on pet food purchases, including kibble, wet food, and fresh, frozen, and freeze-dried options. 

 

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