Sunday was an important day for animal welfare advocates. Beginning December 15, pet stores in New York are banned from selling cats and dogs, as a 2022 state law takes effect.
The New York City Health Department will be enforcing the ban and has communicated with all 24 permitted NYC pet stores to remind them of the upcoming deadline.
Intro 1018, which passed the City Council overwhelmingly in November and will become law later this month, will align the City’s pet shop law with New York State law.
For any New Yorker seeking a furry friend, people are encouraged to visit one of the Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC), New York city’s largest animal shelter, to adopt a pet in need of a forever family.
Find them on Facebook here.
“Make this holiday season unforgettable and consider adopting a furry friend from one of the Animal Care Centers of NYC. By choosing adoption, you’ll gain a devoted family member and give a deserving animal a chance at happiness,” said Health Department Deputy Commissioner Corinne Schiff. “We hope this new legislation will encourage New Yorkers to open their homes to cats and dogs that are already available at our shelters and local rescue partners.”
“Every day, there are hundreds of adorable dogs, cats, and other animals available for adoption in New York City and ready to win you over,” said Director of the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare Alexandra Silver. “My own Lucas and Freddie Mercury came from Animal Care Centers of NYC, and I am so lucky to share my home with these two fantastic felines.”
“The Puppy Mill Pipeline Act will benefit animals both in and beyond our city’s shelters and rescue groups, and we’re grateful to Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris for co-sponsoring this important legislation. Thank you, too, to Council Member Justin Brannan and all who voted in favor of the local legislation,” Silver added.
“The Puppy Mill Pipeline Act is a monumental step forward for animal welfare in New York State. For too long, pet stores have been the final stop in a cruel supply chain that treats sentient beings as commodities,” said Risa Weinstock, President and CEO of Animal Care Centers of NYC. “This law not only helps shut down that pipeline but also shines a light on humane alternatives such as adopting from shelters. At Animal Care Centers of NYC, we see firsthand the impact of overbreeding and neglect, and we know this law will help ensure more animals find the loving homes they deserve.”
The Health Department has been in communication with New York City pet shops to remind them that they will no longer be able to sell cats and dogs. Currently, there are 24 pet shops permitted by the Health Department to sell cats and dogs in the city. That means each of these stores has a certificate in animal care and handling to manage a pet shop or business that sells, grooms, or houses cats, dogs, or other small animals. The Health Department will conduct inspections as needed and issue summonses subject to fines to any pet shop not in compliance and, if necessary, take additional enforcement action.
The NYC Health Department oversees three animal shelters in New York City through ACC — Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. This past September, the Health Department opened a new Queens animal shelter, the Paul A. Vallone Queens Animal Care Center. The facility offers pet adoptions, surrender prevention resources, lost & found assistance, and community-centered pet initiatives.
In October, the Health Department along with ACC and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) opened the Manhattan Pet Adoption Center, located at 323 East 109th Street. The new space converted a former garage into a modern, welcoming space to connect dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and other animals with their future families.
The Health Department is working to open a new animal shelter in the Bronx in 2026. The Brooklyn Center is currently undergoing renovations.
Report any pet store selling cats or dogs after the deadline to 311.
More information about adopting and fostering animals in New York City is available on the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare website.