U.S. State With the Second-Highest Pet Costs Introduces Bill to Make Pet Food Tax-Free

**New York Bill Aims to Remove Sales Tax on Pet Food to Alleviate Costs for Owners**

In a move set to provide financial relief to pet owners grappling with increasing expenses, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey has introduced legislation seeking to exempt pet food from sales tax. Senator Hinchey unveiled Senate Bill S9981 on May 4, suggesting that the initiative is a crucial measure in a time of economic strain for many families.

Senator Hinchey expressed her belief that the bill would help ease the burden on pet parents, noting that feeding pets often constitutes one of the largest costs in pet ownership. “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,” she stated in a press release. By removing sales tax, the senator hopes to foster an environment where pet ownership remains viable and sustainable for families.

Companion animals are often considered integral members of their households, and Hinchey believes that making pet food more affordable can ultimately prevent situations where families feel compelled to relinquish their beloved pets. “Making pet food a little more affordable is also a way to help keep pets with their forever families,” she added, underscoring the emotional ties many share with their animals.

The proposed legislation would cover a wide range of pet foods, including kibble, wet food, and various other options such as fresh, frozen, and freeze-dried varieties. This bill aligns with Assembly Bill A10815, introduced by Assemblymember Keith Powers, highlighting a collective legislative effort to support pet owners across the state. Powers stated, “We should be doing everything we can to make it easier and more affordable to care for them,” emphasising the importance of pets in New York households.

Libby Post, executive director of the New York State Animal Protection Federation, supported the bill, likening it to the exemption of sales tax on food for humans. “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,” she remarked. Post rightly pointed out the inconsistency of taxing pet food while human food remains tax-exempt, further bolstering the rationale for the proposed change.

Recent reports on “petflation” have indicated that prices for pet food have surged over 20% since 2022, adding additional strain on pet owners. In a 2026 analysis conducted by MarketWatch, it was found that New York dog owners spend an average of £750 annually on pet food, positioning New York as the second highest state for pet food expenditure across the United States, trailing only California. Furthermore, the report highlighted that in over a dozen states, the lifetime cost of owning a dog exceeds £30,000, with the national average coming in just under that at £28,801.

The proposed legislation will need to clear the state legislature and receive the signature of Governor Kathy Hochul before it can be enacted into law. The push for tax reform reflects a broader awareness of the escalating costs associated with pet ownership, especially amid current economic challenges that have left many families financially strained.

Advocates for pet welfare across the state are hopeful that the bill will pass, seeing it as a crucial step towards supporting families and ensuring that pets remain with their owners. In light of rising costs, easing the financial load for pet owners could make a significant positive difference in many households throughout New York.

As the legislation progresses, the collective support from lawmakers, animal welfare advocates, and constituents demonstrates a growing recognition of the vital role that companion animals play in the lives of many New Yorkers. The outcome of this legislative effort may well influence how pet ownership is approached in terms of financial responsibility and societal support in the future.