Companion Animals

The New York State Pet Dealer Licensing Program ensures that dogs and cats are properly cared for; have adequate and humane housing; and receive veterinary care while kept by pet dealers. Learn more and find a licensed pet dealer in New York State.

Rescues and Shelters

Animal shelters, rescue organizations and other non-profit entities that offer animal adoptions in New York that are required to register with the Department. This is part of an effort to provide increased transparency to potential pet owners. Learn more and find a registered rescue or shelter.

Health

There are a variety of diseases that dog and cat owners should be aware of. These include:

• Parvovirus
• Canine Influenza
• Parasites
• Calicivirus/Herpesvirus/Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
• Feline Leukemia
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
• Rabies

Visit Cornell University for more information about each of these diseases.

Diseases need to be reported to the Department when they meet certain criteria.

Use this guide if you're not sure whether or not your pet needs to go to the vet.

At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19. Learn more.

Import & Export

Emergency Information

Import

The requirements for importing dogs and cats into New York State from outside the United States are:

• A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate issued 30 days or less prior to entry issued by your veterinarian.
  • If the country of origin does not have a CVI form or Health Certificate , we will accept the required information on the veterinarian’s letterhead. All information must be in English. The CVI or Health Certificate should have the full New York destination address (no PO boxes) and should state that the examination revealed no clinical evidence of infectious or communicable disease, including external parasites and fungi, and that to the best of the veterinarian’s knowledge, the dog or cat has not recently been exposed to such infectious or communicable disease.
  • A current rabies vaccination for animals 3 months of age and older. We accept the 1-year or 3-year vaccine. The rabies vaccine product name and date of vaccination must be recorded on the CVI or Health Certificate .

  The requirements for importing dogs and cats into New York State from another state within the United States are:

  • A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate issued 30 days or less prior to entry.
    • New York accepts the VS 7001 form, but we prefer and strongly encourage the use of electronic CVIs. The CVI or Health Certificate should have the New York destination address and state that the examination revealed no clinical evidence of infectious or communicable disease, including external parasites and fungi, and that to the best of the veterinarian’s knowledge, the dog or cat has not recently been exposed to such infectious or communicable disease.
    • A CVI or Health Certificate is not required if:
      • The animal is staying in New York for less than 30 days.
      • The animal is entering for exhibition.
      • The dog is a New York resident with proof of current dog license, rabies vaccination, and is returning from out-of-state travel within one year.

      Special Considerations

      In addition to New York State import requirements, animals whose destination is within New York City may be subject to New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene regulations. Dogs and cats entering New York City for any reason must meet these regulations. Please visit their website or call ( 646) 364-1783 .

      Export

      The USDA has jurisdiction over international movement of animals. Any questions about international movement of animals or animal products should be directed to a USDA office. The New York USDA office phone number is (518) 218-7540.

      Dog Licensing

      Every dog 4 months of age or older owned in New York State must be licensed. Pet owners can apply for a dog license at their local town or municipal office.

      Municipal Shelter Inspection Reports

      The Department inspects those shelters and facilities that have municipal contracts to house dogs seized under Article 7 of Agriculture and Markets Law . The inspection reports can be found here. Please note that our inspections focus only on the care of dogs seized under Article 7. The department does not have regulatory authority over other animals that may be in the shelter nor does the department have regulatory authority over adoption policies or general shelter management.

      Therapy Dogs

      The Department has developed guidance for handlers and facilities using therapy dogs. Anyone using such dogs should see the resources below to ensure that their dogs are properly licensed and registered, and that handlers and institutions are following appropriate health and training guidelines.