New York DMV and Mohawk Hudson Humane Society Promote Pet Adoption with 'Our Best Friends' License Plate
As National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day approaches, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society are reminding residents that adopting a pet and supporting animal welfare go hand in hand. On April 29, 2026, the DMV announced it is teaming up with the region’s largest humane society to promote shelter adoption and raise awareness of its “Our Best Friends” license plate. When drivers order this plate, a portion of the fee is transferred to the state’s Animal Population Control Fund, which pays for low‑cost spay and neuter programs that reduce unwanted litters and ease the burden on shelters.
The plate, which features illustrations of a dog and a cat, replaced the earlier “Love Your Pet” design and has become a popular way for animal lovers to show their support. DMV Commissioner Mark J. F. Schroeder said the plate has raised more than $800,000 for the Animal Population Control Fund since the program began and contributed about $34,600 in the most recent fiscal year. “This plate is a testament to the love New Yorkers have for their pets,” Schroeder said. “Not only does it decorate your vehicle, it helps us provide affordable spay and neuter services so that every cat and dog has a better chance at a healthy life.” The standard plate costs $25 per year or $50 for the initial purchase; personalized versions are available for an additional fee.
The fund supports programs run by the Department of Agriculture and Markets that assist residents with spaying or neutering cats and dogs adopted from shelters. Deputy commissioner Dr. David Chico emphasized that accessible spay/neuter services are essential in curbing pet overpopulation. “Low‑cost spay/neuter programs prevent thousands of unwanted animals from being born and filling our shelters,” he explained. Every plate sold, he said, is an investment in these services.
Mohawk Hudson Humane Society chief executive Ashley Jeffrey Bouck noted that proceeds from the plate directly benefit the animals in the society’s care. The Albany‑based organization takes in cats, dogs, rabbits and other small animals and ensures they receive veterinary care and sterilization before adoption. “When you adopt a shelter pet, you save two lives – the animal you take home and the one who gets to take its place in our shelter,” Bouck said. She encouraged prospective adopters to visit mhhumane.org to meet animals of all ages, sizes and personalities waiting for homes.
Drivers interested in purchasing the “Our Best Friends” plate can order it online at dmv.ny.gov or by phone through the DMV’s Custom Plates Unit. The DMV and Mohawk Hudson Humane Society hope that their joint campaign will inspire New Yorkers to celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day by taking action, whether by adopting a companion animal or buying a license plate that funds spay and neuter programs. These simple steps can help reduce pet homelessness and support animal welfare across the state.