Starting December 15th, a significant change in New York City will affect how residents acquire pets. Pet stores in NYC will no longer be permitted to sell cats and dogs, as a state law from 2022 takes effect. The New York City Health Department is actively enforcing this ban, having communicated with all 24 licensed pet stores in the city to ensure they are aware of the impending deadline. This shift, brought about by Intro 1018, which overwhelmingly passed the City Council in November, aligns city regulations with the state’s stance on pet sales. For New Yorkers looking to welcome a pet into their families, the emphasis is now firmly on adoption, with encouragement to visit the Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) and provide homes for animals in need.
This legislative change marks a turning point in how Are Pet Stores perceived and operate within the city’s pet ecosystem. Instead of being points of sale for commercially bred animals, pet stores are now being steered towards a model that supports animal welfare and responsible pet ownership through adoption promotion.
“This holiday season presents a wonderful opportunity to adopt a pet from the Animal Care Centers of NYC. Adoption not only brings a loving companion into your home but also offers a deserving animal a chance at a fulfilling life,” stated Health Department Deputy Commissioner Corinne Schiff. “It is our hope that this new law will inspire New Yorkers to open their homes to the many cats and dogs currently awaiting adoption in our shelters and with our rescue partners.”
Alexandra Silver, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare, also champions this transition. “Every day, New York City shelters are home to countless adorable dogs, cats, and other animals eager to find their forever homes,” she noted. “My own cats, Lucas and Freddie Mercury, are proof of the wonderful companions available at Animal Care Centers of NYC. The Puppy Mill Pipeline Act will positively impact animals within our city and beyond, and we extend our gratitude to Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris for their leadership on this vital legislation, as well as to Council Member Justin Brannan and all the City Council members who supported the local law.”
Risa Weinstock, President and CEO of Animal Care Centers of NYC, highlights the broader implications for animal welfare. “The Puppy Mill Pipeline Act represents a significant leap forward for animal welfare in New York State. For too long, pet stores have been part of a cruel system that treats living beings as mere merchandise,” Weinstock explained. “This law is instrumental in disrupting this harmful supply chain and promoting the humane alternative of shelter adoption. At Animal Care Centers of NYC, we witness daily the consequences of overbreeding and neglect, and we are confident that this law will help more animals find the loving homes they deserve.”
The NYC Health Department, responsible for overseeing animal welfare within the city, has been proactive in informing pet shops about the upcoming changes. Currently, 24 pet stores in NYC hold Health Department permits to sell cats and dogs, indicating they have met the necessary animal care and handling standards. Moving forward, these are pet stores will need to adapt their business models to comply with the new regulations. The Health Department will conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance, issuing fines and taking further enforcement actions if necessary against any pet store found to be in violation.
To support pet adoption, the NYC Health Department manages three animal shelters through ACC in Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. The city has recently expanded its shelter infrastructure, with the opening of the Paul A. Vallone Queens Animal Care Center in September, offering a comprehensive range of services including adoptions, surrender prevention, and community pet programs. Furthermore, the Manhattan Pet Adoption Center, a newly renovated facility opened in October, provides a welcoming space for animals and prospective owners to connect. Plans are also underway to open a new shelter in the Bronx by 2026, and renovations are in progress at the Brooklyn Center, demonstrating the city’s ongoing commitment to animal care.
Residents are encouraged to report any pet store continuing to sell cats or dogs after December 15th by calling 311. For those interested in adoption or fostering, the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare website offers extensive resources. This legislative shift is not just a change in law; it’s a move towards a more humane and ethical approach to pet ownership, prioritizing the well-being of animals and encouraging the community to choose adoption as their first option when seeking a new furry family member.
