Can wild or dangerous animals such as poisonous snakes be sold to the public as pets if the
seller has a special permit from the New York City department of Health? - ANSWER No
Can a pet shop that only sells birds, fish and reptiles be exempt from the section of the
health Code (under Article 131) that governs floors, walls, and ceilings for commercial health
premises? - ANSWER No
Can a animal that is vicious or uncontrolled be impounded by a peace officer? - ANSWER
Yes
Is it true that the health code requirement that dogs be certified de-wormed by a licensed
veterinarian as being free of intestinal parasitic worms does not require that procedure for
any other small animal or pet? - ANSWER No, it requires it for both dogs and cats
How often is self-inspection be required by the health code for any establishment issued a
permit to sell or hold dogs, cats, birds, fish, or other reptiles? - ANSWER 2 Months
May the buyer of an unhealthy pet return the pet under "The Lemon Law" after 15 days fol-
lowing the purchase? - ANSWER No, it must be under 14 business days
Is it true: rabbits may only be adopted out by not-for-profit rescue groups, rescue groups
may operate within licensed pet shops or licensed boarding facilities. Pet Shops cannot dis-
play, offer for sale, deliver, barter, auction, give away, transfer or sell any rabbits? - AN-
SWER True
1
, Is it true that pet shops or other commercial establishments used to house small animals or
pets must be kept well-lighted in order to ensure safety in operating the establishment and
permit effective inspection and cleaning of the premises? - ANSWER Yes
At what age do rabies vaccines need to be administered to cats and dogs? - ANSWER 4
months of age
Is it true that so long as rabies shots are given properly and on schedule, pet shop operators
or operator's of other commercial establishments that house small animals or pets MAY, but
are NOT REQUIRED to show documentation that boarded dogs are up to date on distemper,
hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvo and bordetella? - ANSWER False, they are required to
show documentation for distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvo and bordetella
Is it true that in a pet shop or commercial premises in which ONLY dogs and cats are sold or
housed, the subsection of Article 131 pertaining to plumbing, need not be applied? - AN-
SWER False
Will walls, floors, and ceilings be in compliance with Health code requirements so long as
they are clean and in good repair? - ANSWER False, floors also need to be smooth, non-
slip and hard
How many months do records of the sale of dogs or cats be kept for? - ANSWER 12
months
What do you do when a animal becomes ill or is suspected to be ill? - ANSWER Isolate,
Observe the other animals, Contact the Veterinarian
What is the maximum length of a dog leash? - ANSWER 6 feet
The garbage and refuse from a commercial establishment, such as a pet shop, must be
stored using what prior to disposal? - ANSWER Closed Metal Receptacle
2
seller has a special permit from the New York City department of Health? - ANSWER No
Can a pet shop that only sells birds, fish and reptiles be exempt from the section of the
health Code (under Article 131) that governs floors, walls, and ceilings for commercial health
premises? - ANSWER No
Can a animal that is vicious or uncontrolled be impounded by a peace officer? - ANSWER
Yes
Is it true that the health code requirement that dogs be certified de-wormed by a licensed
veterinarian as being free of intestinal parasitic worms does not require that procedure for
any other small animal or pet? - ANSWER No, it requires it for both dogs and cats
How often is self-inspection be required by the health code for any establishment issued a
permit to sell or hold dogs, cats, birds, fish, or other reptiles? - ANSWER 2 Months
May the buyer of an unhealthy pet return the pet under "The Lemon Law" after 15 days fol-
lowing the purchase? - ANSWER No, it must be under 14 business days
Is it true: rabbits may only be adopted out by not-for-profit rescue groups, rescue groups
may operate within licensed pet shops or licensed boarding facilities. Pet Shops cannot dis-
play, offer for sale, deliver, barter, auction, give away, transfer or sell any rabbits? - AN-
SWER True
1
, Is it true that pet shops or other commercial establishments used to house small animals or
pets must be kept well-lighted in order to ensure safety in operating the establishment and
permit effective inspection and cleaning of the premises? - ANSWER Yes
At what age do rabies vaccines need to be administered to cats and dogs? - ANSWER 4
months of age
Is it true that so long as rabies shots are given properly and on schedule, pet shop operators
or operator's of other commercial establishments that house small animals or pets MAY, but
are NOT REQUIRED to show documentation that boarded dogs are up to date on distemper,
hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvo and bordetella? - ANSWER False, they are required to
show documentation for distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvo and bordetella
Is it true that in a pet shop or commercial premises in which ONLY dogs and cats are sold or
housed, the subsection of Article 131 pertaining to plumbing, need not be applied? - AN-
SWER False
Will walls, floors, and ceilings be in compliance with Health code requirements so long as
they are clean and in good repair? - ANSWER False, floors also need to be smooth, non-
slip and hard
How many months do records of the sale of dogs or cats be kept for? - ANSWER 12
months
What do you do when a animal becomes ill or is suspected to be ill? - ANSWER Isolate,
Observe the other animals, Contact the Veterinarian
What is the maximum length of a dog leash? - ANSWER 6 feet
The garbage and refuse from a commercial establishment, such as a pet shop, must be
stored using what prior to disposal? - ANSWER Closed Metal Receptacle
2
