Thinking about getting a unique pet? New York City has specific rules about what animals you can keep in your home. While cuddly cats and dogs are welcome, the city draws a firm line when it comes to wild, farm, and exotic animals. If you’re wondering, “Can You Have Exotic Animals As Pets in NYC?”, the short answer is generally no. This guide will clarify which animals are allowed as pets in NYC and which are strictly prohibited, helping you stay within the law and ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and residents.
Legal Pets in NYC: Your Allowed Companions
NYC law permits a variety of common domestic animals as pets. These include:
- Classic companions: Domesticated cats and dogs are, of course, allowed.
- Small and furry friends: Rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other similar small animals are permitted.
- Birds of a feather: Parakeets, parrots, pigeons, canaries, hens (female chickens), and other small bird species are allowed to be kept as pets. Pigeon coops are also permitted if they are properly maintained.
- Gentle reptiles: Non-snapping turtles larger than 4 inches and certain other non-dangerous reptiles are permissible.
- Working insects: Honeybees are allowed, reflecting their agricultural importance.
- Equine friends: Horses can also be kept as pets, considering space and zoning regulations.
Exotic Animals and Illegal Pets in NYC: What’s Off-Limits
The list of animals banned as pets in NYC is extensive, primarily targeting wild and exotic species that pose potential risks to public safety or animal welfare. These prohibited animals include:
- Undomesticated Canines: Wolves, foxes, coyotes, hyenas, dingoes, jackals, and any other undomesticated dog species are not allowed.
- Undomesticated Felines: Lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, pumas, panthers, mountain lions, cheetahs, cougars, bobcats, lynxes, and other undomesticated cat species are forbidden.
- Mustelids and Similar: Ferrets, weasels, minks, badgers, wolverines, skunks, and mongooses are prohibited.
- Wild Rodents and Bats: Squirrels, raccoons, and bats are not allowed as pets.
- Large and Exotic Mammals: Bears, elephants, zebras, rhinoceroses, giraffes, and hippopotamuses are strictly prohibited.
- Venomous Spiders: Tarantulas, black widows, and other venomous spiders are not permitted.
- Dangerous Lizards: Iguanas, Gila monsters, and many other lizard species are illegal to keep as pets.
- Non-Human Primates: Monkeys, apes, chimpanzees, and gorillas are banned.
- Venomous and Constrictor Snakes: Vipers, cobras, pythons, anacondas, and many other snake species are prohibited. Even non-venomous snakes might be restricted depending on size and species.
- Dangerous Reptiles and Amphibians: Alligators, crocodiles, snapping turtles, and turtles with shells less than four inches in length are not allowed.
- Large and Predatory Birds: Eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures, emus, ostriches, and other large or predatory bird species are illegal.
- Farm Birds: Roosters, ducks, geese, and turkeys are generally not allowed as pets in NYC.
- Venomous Insects: Bees (other than honeybees), hornets, wasps, and other venomous insects are prohibited.
- Large Rodents: Gophers, woodchucks, beavers, hedgehogs, porcupines, and other large rodent species are not allowed.
- Certain Ungulates: Deer, antelopes, llamas, and camels are prohibited.
- Farm Animals: Sheep, goats, pigs (including potbellied pigs), and most farm animals are not permitted as pets.
- Marsupials: Kangaroos, opossums, koalas, and other marsupials are not allowed.
- Marine Mammals: Dolphins, whales, seals, sea lions, walruses, and other sea mammals are prohibited.
- Dangerous Fish: Sharks and piranhas are illegal to keep as pets.
Reporting and Turning in Illegal Pets
If you suspect someone is keeping an illegal animal as a pet, you can report it. When reporting, providing the landlord’s or property owner’s name, if known, can be helpful. If you are currently keeping an illegal pet, you can surrender the animal without penalty at any Animal Care Centers of NYC shelter in each borough. This offers a safe and responsible way to resolve the situation without facing violations.
Animal Care Centers of NYC have locations throughout the city. Note that appointments are usually required, and they are closed on major holidays including Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
For detailed information and the most up-to-date regulations, it is always best to consult the official NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene guidelines. Understanding and adhering to these regulations ensures a safe and healthy environment for both people and animals in New York City.
