Starting Sunday, New York law bans pet stores from selling cats, dogs

New York’s Staten Island. A 2022 state law will prohibit pet shops in New York from selling dogs and cats starting tomorrow, Dec. 15.

According to a Health Department release, all authorized NYC pet businesses have been notified of the impending deadline by the New York City Health Department, which will be implementing the prohibition.

To stop the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation in 2022 that prohibited the selling of dogs, cats, and bunnies at retail pet stores.

Additionally, the rule permits pet shops to charge shelters rent for the use of their space for adoptions. Another goal of the new regulation is to prevent abusive pet breeders.

When Hochul signed the legislation in 2022, she stated that all dogs, cats, and bunnies in New York should have loving homes and humane treatment.

The purpose of the law is to stop the purchase and sale of animals from large-scale, cruel breeders who don’t provide enough veterinary care, food, or socialization. According to Hochul’s office at the time, these animals frequently have health problems brought on by poor breeding, and their veterinarian bills can run into the hundreds of dollars.

According to Health Department Deputy Commissioner Corrine Schiff, adopting a pet from one of the Animal Care Centers of NYC might make this holiday season truly memorable. You can offer a worthy animal a chance at happiness and acquire a loyal family member by selecting adoption. There are already cats and dogs available at our shelters and local rescue organizations, and we hope that this new law will inspire New Yorkers to take them into their homes.

According to Alexandra Silver, director of the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare, hundreds of cute dogs, cats, and other animals are up for adoption in New York City every day and are eager to win your heart. She remarked, “I am so fortunate to share my home with these two fantastic cats, Lucas and Freddie Mercury, who came from Animal Care Centers of NYC.”

According to Risa Weinstock, president and CEO of Animal Care Centers of NYC, this regulation not only aids in closing that pipeline but also raises awareness of humane options like adopting from shelters.Having witnessed the effects of overbreeding and neglect firsthand, we at Animal Care Centers of NYC are confident that this law will assist more animals find the caring homes they need.

As of right now, the city’s Health Department has approved 24 pet stores to sell dogs and cats.

For the purpose of running a pet shop or business that sells, grooms, or houses cats, dogs, or other small animals, each of these establishments possesses a certificate in animal care and handling.

According to the notice, the Health Department will carry out inspections as required, issue summonses to noncompliant pet shops that are subject to fines, and, if required, take further enforcement action.

Through ACC Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island, the NYC Health Department is in charge of three animal shelters in New York City.

Any pet shop selling dogs or cats after the deadline of 311 should be reported by the public.

The website of the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare offers additional details regarding adopting and fostering animals in New York City.

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