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New York City pet parents and animal advocates, we’ve compiled the answers to your most frequently asked questions here. Feel free to bookmark this page for easy reference.

Programs & Services at the ASPCA


Pet Care & Well-Being

Especially for Dog Parents

Local Laws & Services

Kids, Teachers & Families


Programs & Services at the ASPCA


Where can I adopt a pet in New York City?

If you wish to visit the ASPCA Adoption Center to adopt a furry friend, our address is 424 East 92nd Street (between 1st and York Avenues). Adoption hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., and Sunday from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Adoption fees are $75 and up. You must have two forms of identification and be able to provide current references that we can reach via telephone during the day. View the ASPCA's available animals.

You can also visit one of NYC Animal Care and Control's shelters to adopt a pet.

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Does the ASPCA offer veterinary care?

The ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital is located inside the ASPCA’s New York City headquarters at 424 East 92 Street. Our dedicated staff of 18 veterinarians (including board certified specialists in internal medicine, surgery and oncology) and more than 22 licensed veterinary technicians are committed to providing the most up-to-date and compassionate care to the animals who come through our doors.

Walk-in emergency care is available from from 8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, and 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Saturdays. Appointments are preferred.

Call (212) 876-7700, ext. 4200 to make an appointment. For emergency care, please walk right in.

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How can I report cruelty to animals in New York City?

Cruelty situations involving animals in New York City should be reported to the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4450, or humanel@aspca.org.

Abuse of any kind should be reported to the appropriate authorities immediately. Animal cruelty and neglect is not only wrong, it is against the law in every state in this country and is a FELONY in many states! Animal abuse can also be part of a pattern of other violent acts within families and society.

Learn more about reporting animal cruelty.

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Where can I get my pet spayed/neutered in NYC for free/low-cost?

If you live in NYC, the ASPCA Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic offers free/low-cost spay/neuter surgery for dog and cat owners in need, but they must provide proof of public assistance, such as a Medicaid card. Please contact our hotline at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4303, or check our mobile clinic calendar for a listing of dates and locations in all five boroughs.

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I want to work with animals. What are some career options at the ASPCA in New York City?

The ASPCA is a national organization located in New York City, and is not affiliated with any other animal agency in the United States. To search for current available positions at the ASPCA or to apply for a position, click here.

Click here for an overview of animal-related careers.

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Can I volunteer at the ASPCA?

Great idea! The ASPCA Adoption Center is located at 424 East 92nd Street (between 1st and York Avenues). The ASPCA’s volunteer program is vital to our operation, and our volunteers are making an impact in many areas. Today, volunteers assist in the care and placement of the animals housed in our shelter, educate the public and provide support for administrative programs. To learn how to volunteer at the ASPCA, and to see which positions are available, click here.

Please keep in mind:

  • All volunteer opportunities are in New York City
  • Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. (Positions for 14- to 17-year-olds are currently full.)
  • Volunteers must be able to commit to a minimum of 8 hours per month for 6 months.

Of course, many other NYC shelters and animal groups need volunteers as well. Look up your local shelter and give the staff a call to see if they can use your services.

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How can I get involved in promoting animal-friendly legislation in New York City?

One of the ways you can take an active role in improving the lives of New York City’s animals is by helping to get legislation passed as a member of the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade. Membership is free, and you can participate as much or as little as you like. Go here to sign up.

As a member of the Advocacy Brigade, you will receive periodic email updates informing you of the introduction and status of animal-related bills on the city, state and federal levels. Our interactive letter-writing technology allows you to send letters to your legislators at a moment’s notice. Active involvement by concerned individuals like you is extremely important in the successful passage of legislation.

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I think my dog would be a great visiting dog. How can I get involved in animal assisted therapy in New York City?

That’s wonderful! The ASPCA, as an affiliate of the Delta Society, is pleased to offer training classes that help prepare you and your dog for participation in animal-assisted therapy and animal-assisted activities. Check our website for upcoming classes or contact Greer Griffith at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4417, or greerg@aspca.org.

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Does the ASPCA offer any resources to animal rescuers in New York City?

Animal rescuers are vital to the welfare of New York City’s animals, and the ASPCA is proud to offer a variety of resources to registered rescuers—including spay/neuter and vaccination services, humane cat and dog traps and our Partner in Caring grants. If you would like to become a registered rescuer with the ASPCA, please download our rescue agreement (pdf).

Click here to read more about resources available to animal rescuers.

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Pet Care & Well-Being


Where in New York City can I go for emergency pet care late at night and after regular business hours?

You may wish to contact the following veterinary clinics that provide 24-hour service:

Animal Medical Center
(212) 838-8100
510 E. 62nd Street, between FDR and York Aves.
Open 24 hours

Manhattan Veterinary Group
(212) 988-1000
240 East 80th, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
Open 24 hours

If you suspect your pet may have been poisoned or has ingested a toxic substance, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), a national telephone hotline, available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. It is staffed by veterinarians and board-certified veterinary toxicologists. There is a $60 charge for this lifesaving service. The phone number is (888) 426-4435.

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Where can I find a pet taxi in New York City?

For pet transportation in New York City, you may wish to contact Pet Chauffeur at (718) 752-1767 or (866) PETRIDE. Mention that you were referred by the ASPCA and receive a 10-percent discount on your ride! Pet Taxi also has been used by patients of ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital; call your pet a cab at (212) 755-1757.

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If my pet comes into contact with a biological or chemical agent, what should I do?

Please contact your veterinarian right away. Hazardous substances on an animal's coat may be a potential health risk to any person who comes into contact with them. Blood, vomit and other bodily fluids should also be avoided. Once any existing medical problems have been addressed and it has been determined that the pet is stable, bathing and other decontamination procedures may be best performed by trained veterinary professionals using appropriate protective equipment such as gowns, gloves and eye protection.

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My pet has died in my home. What should I do?

The ASPCA wishes to extend our deepest condolences to those experiencing or anticipating the loss of a beloved pet. We understand that this is a very tough time for the whole family. Please know that the ASPCA is here for you should you need assistance working through your grief.

If your pet is under the care of a veterinarian at the time of his or her passing, the vet can guide you through the next steps. However, New Yorkers who do not have a relationship with a veterinarian often ask what they should do when a pet dies at home. Living in New York City, you are fortunate to have a wide range of options. Whether you want simply for the body to be removed from your home, or you wish to permanently memorialize your pet in some special way, the choice is yours. Click here for detailed information on your options.

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What is microchipping, and why is it important?

Microchipping your pet involves implanting a chip with your contact information in your pet’s shoulder area. The chip can be read by scanner at most animal shelters and is an excellent way to reunite lost pets with their families—as long as you keep providing the chip company with updated information.
 
The ASPCA strongly recommends that pet owners consider microchipping their pets as a permanent form of identification, in addition to a current dog license and identification tag. You may also wish to discuss microchipping with your local veterinarian.

You may wish to visit the websites of the following companies that provide microchipping services:
 
Home Again

American Veterinary ID Devices

24 Pet Watch® Microchip Identification

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How can I find a reliable pet sitter in New York City?

If a boarding facility is not right for your pet, consider a professional pet sitter, who can care for your animal in your home or theirs. For referrals to a reputable pet sitter, you may wish to contact:

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
(856) 439-0324
http://www.petsitters.org/

Pet Sitters International
(336) 983-9222
http://www.petsit.com/

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My landlord wants to evict me because I have a pet. What can I do?

The Administrative Code of New York City § 27-2009, commonly referred to as the “Pet Law,” describes the rights of tenants to keep their pets under certain circumstances, despite lease provisions to the contrary. In its plainest reading, the Pet Law provides that once a pet lives in a multiple dwelling (a building with three or more residential units) for three or more months, open and notoriously (not hidden from the building’s owners, their agents and on-site employees), then any no-pet clause in a lease is considered waived and unenforceable. A very helpful, in-depth explanation of the Pet Law can be found here (pdf).

The Pet Law will not help you if your pet has been deemed a nuisance, or is not legal to keep in New York City. Additionally, this law does not apply to residents of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), which has its own policies concerning pets. NYCHA’s  pet policy may be viewed here.

Regardless of the type of housing involved, legal advice from an expert in issues pertaining to animals should be obtained as soon as problems arise regarding your pet or before you are about to get a new apartment or pet. Sound legal counsel obtained early may prevent or minimize problems, whereas negotiating with management or owners yourself could have a detrimental effect on your case. Please note that while the ASPCA does not endorse any of the following organizations, they may be able to refer you to a lawyer with animal law experience.

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I found a stray cat or dog in New York City. What should I do?

Please contact NYC Animal Rescue at (212) 788-4000. Not affiliated with the ASPCA, this service is provided in all five boroughs by Animal Care and Control (AC&C) of New York City.

According to AC&C’s website, when you call AC&C to report a found animal, an immediate review of Lost Animal reports will take place. If a match to the found animal is not immediately made, a shelter staff person will take a report. If you are willing, you will be asked to care for the animal while AC&C tries to contact the owner. Otherwise, AC&C will hold the animal for 48 hours; you may visit AC&C’s website for additional information.

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Especially for Dog Parents


Do I have to get a license for my dog in New York City?

In New York City (and many other areas in the country), licensing your dog is the law. To apply for a dog license, visit the website of the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) or call 311 to reach the DOHMH’s Dog Licensing Unit. You may also obtain an application from a veterinarian, animal shelter or pet shop.

Please note, you can’t get your dog a license unless you have the paperwork to prove that he or she has received a rabies vaccine, so make sure you save all your pet’s veterinary records. The New York City Health Code requires every dog owner/walker to be able to produce proof of current dog license and rabies vaccination while in public—the easiest way to do this is to affix to your dog’s collar the vaccination tag from your vet and the city license tag you’ll receive in the mail from the DOHMH. Violation of these laws may result in fines.

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What are the leash laws in New York City, and how do I find out which parks have off-leash hours?

In New York City, dogs must be on a leash when in public places. The leash cannot be longer than six feet. Failure to comply with the leash law can result in a ticket from authorized employees of New York City’s Departments of Health, Sanitation, or Parks and Recreation. Please call 311 to report an unleashed dog.

In December 2006, the New York City Board of Health approved legislation to formally allow supervised dogs to play unleashed in certain city parks between 9:00 P.M. and 9:00 A.M. Please visit the NYC Parks Department to view a list of parks, by borough, that participate in this program. This site also offers loads of valuable information for New York City dog owners, such as a listing of dog runs and when and where you can take your dog to the beach!

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How can I train my dog to respond to basic commands?

Don't give up on your pet and give your pet up! At the ASPCA, we work hard to protect, preserve and even improve the human-pet relationship. Please take advantage of our free pet parenting workshops offered at the 92nd Street headquarters. And for solutions to common behavior problems, please visit our online Animal Behavior Center.

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Local Laws & Services


Which species are illegal to own in New York City?

Species that are considered wildlife or endangered are not permitted to be kept, possessed, harbored or sold in New York City. Ferrets, iguanas and tarantulas are among these species:

Article 161 (“Animals”) of the Health Code outlines exactly which species are forbidden:

Health Code § 161.01 Wild animals prohibited. (pdf)
(1) All dogs other than domesticated dogs (Canis familiaris), including, but not limited to, wolf, fox, coyote, hyena, dingo, jackal, dhole, fennec, raccoon dog, zorro, bush dog, aardwolf, cape hunting dog and any hybrid offspring of a wild dog and domesticated dog.
(2) All cats other than domesticated cats (Felis catus), including, but not limited to, lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, puma, panther, mountain lion, cheetah, wild cat, cougar, bobcat, lynx, serval, caracal, jaguarundi, margay and any hybrid offspring of a wild cat and domesticated cat.
(3) All bears, including polar, grizzly, brown and black bear.
(4) All fur bearing mammals of the family Mustelidae, including, but not limited to, weasel, marten, mink, badger, ermine, skunk, otter, pole cat, zorille, wolverine, stoat and ferret.
(5) All Procyonidae: All raccoon (eastern, desert, ring-tailed cat), kinkajou, cacomistle, cat-bear, panda and coatimundi.
(6) All carnivorous mammals of the family Viverridae, including, but not limited to, civet, mongoose, genet, binturong, fossa, linsang and suricate.
(7) All bats (Chiroptera).
(8) All non-human primates, including, but not limited to, monkey, ape, chimpanzee, gorilla and lemur.
(9) All squirrels (Sciuridae).
(10) Reptiles (Reptilia). All Helodermatidae (gila monster and Mexican beaded lizard); all front-fanged venomous snakes, even if devenomized, including, but not limited to, all Viperidae (viper, pit viper), all Elapidae (cobra, mamba, krait, coral snake), all Atractaspididae (African burrowing asp), all Hydrophiidae (sea snake), all Laticaudidae (sea krait); all venomous, mid-or rear-fanged, Duvernoy-glanded members of the family Colubridae, even if devenomized; any member, or hybrid offspring of the family Boidae, including, but not limited to, the common or green anaconda and yellow anaconda; any member of the family Pythonidae, including but not limited to the African rock python, Indian or Burmese python, Amethystine or scrub python; any member of the family Varanidae, including the white throated monitor, Bosc's or African savannah monitor, Komodo monitor or dragon, Nile monitor, crocodile monitor, water monitor, Bornean earless monitor; any member of the family Iguanidae, including the green or common iguana; any member of the family teiidae, including, but not limited to the golden, common, or black and white tegu; all members of the family Chelydridae, including snapping turtle and alligator snapping turtle; and all members of the order Crocodylia, including, but not limited to alligator, caiman and crocodile.
(11) Birds and Fowl (Aves): All predatory or large birds, including, but not limited to, eagle, hawk, falcon, owl, vulture, condor, emu, rhea and ostrich; roosters, geese, ducks and turkeys prohibited or otherwise regulated pursuant to ?þ 161.19 of this Code, the Agriculture and Markets Law or applicable federal law.
(12) All venomous insects, including, but not limited to, bee, hornet and wasp.
(13) Arachnida and Chilopoda: All venomous spiders, including, but not limited to, tarantula, black widow and solifugid; scorpion; all venomous arthropods including, but not limited to, centipede.
(14) All large rodents (Rodentia), including, but not limited to, gopher, muskrat, paca, woodchuck, marmot, beaver, prairie dog, capybara, sewellel, viscacha, porcupine and hutia.
(15) All even-toed ungulates (Artiodactyla) including, but not limited to, deer, antelope, sheep, giraffe and hippopotamus.
(16) All odd-toed ungulates (Perissodactyla) other than domesticated horses (Equus caballus), including, but not limited to, zebra, rhinoceros and tapir.
(17) All marsupials, including, but not limited to, Tasmanian devil, dasyure, bandicoot, kangaroo, wallaby, opossum, wombat, koala bear, cuscus, numbat and pigmy, sugar and greater glider.
(18) Sea mammals (Cetacea, Pinnipedia and Sirenia), including, but not limited to, dolphin, whale, seal, sea lion and walrus.
(19) All elephants (Proboscides).
(20) All hyrax (Hyracoidea).
(21) All pangolin (Pholidota).
(22) All sloth and armadillo (Edentala).
(23) Insectivorous mammals (Insectivora): All aardvark (Tubulidentata), anteater, shrew, otter shrew, gymnure, desman, tenrec, mole and hedge hog.
(24) Gliding lemur (Dermoptera).

In addition to domesticated dogs and cats, the following are legal to keep as pets in New York City: gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, domesticated rabbits and fowl or small birds such as parakeets, parrots, canaries and finches.

If you have any questions about the above list, call the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene at (800) 698-0411.

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Who should I call about too much poop on my neighborhood streets?

In 1978, New York State passed the Canine Waste Law (Section 1310 of the New York State Public Health Code) requiring city dog owners to scoop the poop. While most urban pet parents are responsible and do clean up after their pups, there are always a few bad seeds in the Big Apple—and there are certain blocks, usually on less densely populated streets, which seem to attract this breed of dog owner.

To report such problem areas, please either call 311 or fill out this online form provided by the Department of Sanitation (DOS).

The DOS takes this problem seriously, writing hundreds of tickets to Canine Waste Law violators every year. However, if you have contacted the DOS several times and seen no improvement to the dog poop problem, consider contacting your community board and your representative on the New York City Council.

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My neighbor’s dog barks constantly! To whom can I complain?

Complaints about barking dogs in New York City can be made to the Department of Environmental Protection at 311.

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I found an injured wild animal in New York City. Who can I call for help?

Please know that the ASPCA does not have certified wildlife rehabilitators on staff, nor do we have wildlife experts or a wildlife department.

The following organizations in and near New York City will assist wildlife and/or offer resources:

- Animal Care & Control of New York City
(212) 788-4000 or via 311
Note, AC&C will not remove raccoons or opossums from properties.

- Volunteers for Wildlife (Long Island)
(631) 423-0982

- New York Herpetological Society (reptiles and amphibians)
(212) 740-3580

For animals found in city parks, please call Urban Park Rangers at (800) 201-PARK.

For a list of wildlife rehabilitators in the New York City area, please call 311.

In some situations, it may be necessary to contract the services of a professional company that can remove nuisance animals from your residence. Humane services may be found by calling the organizations mentioned above, or by looking in your local yellow pages. The ASPCA urges you to use only those services that offer responsible and humane treatment of animals.

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How do you know when someone has too many animals? Is there anything a concerned neighbor or friend can do to help?

You are asking about a complex issue known as animal hoarding. The common signs of an animal hoarder are deteriorating conditions and denial or lack of insight that there is a problem. But not everyone who has multiple animals is an animal hoarder. A person may have a dozen animals, and all are spayed and neutered and provided with regular vet care and a sanitary environment. To learn more about the criteria used to define animal hoarding, please click here.

In almost all animal hoarding cases, the person and the animals are suffering. You may not want to get the person “in trouble,” but a phone call may be the first step in helping them and their animals:

- Although it is not clearly understood why people become animal hoarders, they do tend to neglect themselves and are often elderly and isolated from the community. The fact is that they and their animals need help, and calling your local humane law enforcement department may be a way to initiate the process. Cruelty situations involving animals in New York City should be reported to the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4450, or humanel@aspca.org.

- Contact other social service groups and ask them to get involved! Department of the Aging, adult protective services, health departments and other mental health agencies may be able to provide services or links to services. It’s important to get the animal hoarder connected to other people and services.

- Please note: if the individual is facing immediate eviction and needs to remove the animals in a short period of time, please contact NYC’s Animal Care and Control by calling 311 or the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals at info@animalalliancenyc.org.

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I’d like to get involved in helping stray cats in New York City.

Thank you for your concern about New York City’s feral cat population. The ASPCA endorses Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) as the only proven humane and effective method to manage feral cat colonies. We work closely with Neighborhood Cats, and we are a member of the NYC Feral Cat Council.

You can learn more about TNR in New York City here. For info on how you can help in your area, please also consult Neighborhood Cats and Alley Cat Allies.

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Kids, Teachers & Families


I'm under 14 and too young to volunteer at most shelters in New York City. How can I help animals?

Nothing makes us happier than young people with a passion for animals. It’s true, for safety’s sake lots of shelters require an age minimum for their volunteers. But that doesn’t mean you can’t help. Here are a few ideas:

  • Shelters are always looking for sheets, blankets and towels to use as bedding. How about starting a drive at your school where you collect these items?
  • Hold a bake sale and donate the profits to your favorite shelter.
  • Volunteer to walk your elderly (or busy!) neighbor’s dog!
  • Start an animal volunteer-themed club at your school.
  • Teach your younger siblings about why it’s important to be kind to animals.

For inspiration from other young heroes in animal communities, visit our website for kids at http://www.animaland.org/.

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My child goes to school in NYC. Can an ASPCA Humane Educator come to visit his classroom?

A visit to your class by an ASPCA Humane Educator can be arranged as part of an ongoing class or school-wide service learning project. Topics of discussion may include proper animal care, dog bite prevention, careers and other animal related topics. Call the Humane Education Department for details at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4400.  Please call early in the school year as dates fill up very quickly, and please be flexible with dates and times.

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How can NYC teachers arrange field trips to the ASPCA?

Unfortunately, due to space considerations and the comfort of our animals, we do not offer regularly scheduled shelter visits. However, if a class is engaged in a meaningful service learning project to benefit animals, a special tour of the shelter can be arranged once the class has completed the project. Please call the Humane Education department for further details at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4400.

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How can I make sure my whole family—including pets—is prepared in the event of an emergency?

Good for you for planning ahead—it could save your pets’ lives! Follow our six steps to emergency pet preparedness, and if there are kids in your family, be sure to read our information on how to get them involved in the planning.

We also recommend that you download the Ready New York brochure (pdf) prepared by the New York City Office of Emergency Management.

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