Exhibiting Exotic Animals

You need a permit to exhibit or use any animal in New York City for business. This includes animals in theatrical performances, circuses or wildlife rehabilitator demonstrations.

Animals that are usually illegal to keep can be used in exhibitions if you follow all of the rules. You must send an application with all needed attachments 10 business days before the animal arrives. All requests must be in writing and must follow these rules:

• Handlers must always control the animals: the public cannot touch the animals. Animals and their waste must not cause a public health nuisance.
• Each animal must have a cage that is big enough and has good air flow: the animal should not be uncomfortable.
• You cannot sell, trade or give away animals at the show: follow all federal and State rules about bringing in and transporting animals. (See the USDA's Animal Welfare site)
• If you change the exhibition schedule, you must tell the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: if you do not, you cannot exhibit the animals.

This information covers only health-related regulations for this permit. There are clear rules for showing animals. If you do not follow these rules, you cannot exhibit the animals.

Exhibitors are responsible for any injury, illness, harm or property damage caused by the animals. Exhibitors also agree to hold the City of New York harmless for any claims of injury or damage caused by the animals.

• Fill out the application: Send the application and documents at least 10 business days before the animal arrives.
  Animal Exhibition Application (PDF)

• List all animals to be shown: Include health certificates and shipping papers for each animal.

• Describe:

  • The type or purpose of the exhibit, including dates, times and the full address where the exhibit will be.
  • Safety measures to protect people.
  • Housing for the animals at the exhibit and at night.
  • Methods for keeping the area clean and removing waste.

• Show proof of valid liability insurance.

• For outdoor exhibits: Send a permit application to the Mayor's Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management (CECM). Include proof that you sent a CECM permit application.
  Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO)

• Each animal must have a health certificate from a licensed vet:

  • The certificate must be issued within 30 days of the animal's arrival in New York City. It should list all relevant information (e.g., type, name of vaccines, serial number if applicable) and tests done (e.g., rabies, brucellosis, TB, Coggins). The vet's license number, full office address (not a P.O. Box) and phone number must be included for verification.
  • Provide proof of current rabies vaccination (at least 28 days before arrival in NYC) for all animals that need it (e.g., horses, cattle, sheep, etc. that are three months old or older). For mammals where a rabies vaccine is not required, vaccinations are recommended.

• For animals coming to New York City from outside New York State: The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Veterinary Public Health Services requires exhibitors to get New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets approval of health certificates. Contact the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets at 518-457-3502 or fax to 518-485-7773.

• Each horse or other Equidae (e.g., zebras, donkeys, mules) must have a current copy of a negative Coggins test done within the past 12 months.

• For non-CWD susceptible cervids: New York State (NYS) requires brucellosis and tuberculosis testing and a current movement permit issued by New York State. Visit the NYS website for detailed guidance.

• For primates: New York State requires tuberculosis vaccination.

• For cynomolgus, African green and rhesus macaque monkeys: New York State requires that they be quarantined for 60 days and tested for filovirus both before and after entry into New York State. The filovirus test must be done within 14 days of coming into the State and repeated before being let out of the in-State quarantine. For entry into New York State from a closed colony, the animals must be isolated from the time the filovirus test is done within 14 days of entering the State, as opposed to the full 60-day pre-shipment quarantine. The 60-day quarantine and retesting after arrival is still required.

• For bats, large cats, owls, skunks, sugar gliders, flying squirrels and wolves: New York State Special Licenses are required. Contact the New York State Department of Conservation (ENCON) at 518-402-8985 or visit their website.

• For more information on New York State requirements for animal imports, visit the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.

• There is no fee for this permit.

• The Office of Veterinary Public Health Services will tell you if your application is approved.

Applications are valid for only the dates and time indicated on the application. Failure to notify the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene of any changes in exhibition schedule will invalidate the permission to exhibit.

Applying for a DOHMH permit does not satisfy regulatory requirements of other City, State and federal agencies. It is the business owner's responsibility to apply for all other permits, licenses and authorizations required. Failure to comply with all relevant regulations, including those under the jurisdiction of other agencies, may result in fines and the revocation of DOHMH permits.

• If you have any questions or need help completing the application, contact the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Office of Veterinary Public Health Services at 646-364-1783.

• Applications must be sent no less than 10 business days before the animal arrives, and all paperwork must be up to date.

• Requests will not be considered until all required paperwork (with required State approvals, as needed) is sent and all conditions for exhibiting animals have been met.

• Complete all required paperwork and mail or fax the completed paperwork to the DOHMH Office of Veterinary Public Health Services.
  Animal Exhibition Permit Application (PDF)

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DoHMH)
Office of Veterinary Public Health Services
125 Worth Street, Box 66
New York, NY 10013
Fax: 646-364-1801