Southampton Town Receives $400K+ Grant To Upgrade Animal Shelter

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — The Town of Southampton has been awarded a $402,608 grant to upgrade the flooring and kennels at the Southampton Town animal shelter, officials said.

The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation was one of only 10 agencies and organizations statewide to be awarded a grant from the program; $3.8 million in total was awarded to the 10 recipients, the town said.

The grant is being awarded from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, under the Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund program. The Town of Southampton submitted a competitive grant application for a $447,342 project to repair and upgrade the flooring in the kennel area of the shelter, as well as to replace all current dog kennels, the town said.

The Southampton shelter will be receiving $402,608; the town will be providing a $44,734, or 10 percent, match to complete the project.

Southampton Town Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara, who was the town board liaison to animal control when the application was initiated, was thrilled by the news. "I am very pleased to learn that the state selected the Town of Southampton as a recipient of this grant. Our animal control staff and the staff from Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation do amazing work for the pets of town residents and visitors. We have been discussing the need for this project for some time, and the awarding of this grant will help to finally make the project a reality."

Southampton Town Councilman Michael Iasilli agreed. "As an advocate of animal welfare and town board member, I want to thank Ryan Murphy for working diligently with the shelter to provide the best conditions possible for our pets."

To that end, Iasilli said he worked with the town board to make April 30 "Adopt a Pet Day." On April 30, the shelter will hold an open house for families to come and learn about all the services they provide, he said.

In 2023 the Southampton Animal Shelter had more than 900 cats and dogs come and go through
its doors. Almost 500 dogs called the animal shelter their temporary home over the course of the
year, town officials explained.

"The Southampton Town Animal Shelter is a highly utilized building and key piece of our town infrastructure. This project will modernize the facility and create a healthier environment that enhances animal and staff well-being,” said Town Code Compliance and Emergency
Management Administrator Murphy, who oversees the town’s animal control division.

Murphy said the successful application was the result of a great team effort between the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation and the Town of Southampton.

Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore added that earlier this year, there was unanimous support from the town board on the submission of the application.

"When presented with the opportunity to secure funding to create a better space for the animals in our community, the board was more than happy to support the effort," she said. "This grant from New York State will allow us to extend the useful life of the animal shelter facility and conduct much needed improvements at minimal cost to the town."