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Exhibiting Exotic Animals

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Before you submit your application

  • 1

    Review and complete the application.  Applications with supporting documentation must be submitted no less than 10 business days prior to the animal's arrival.

      Animal Exhibition Application (PDF )

    • 2

      Supply a complete list of all animals to be exhibited along with accompanying veterinary health certificates and shipping documents for each animal.

      • 3

        Applicants must provide a description of:

        • the type or purpose of the exhibit, including dates, times and the full address where the exhibit will take place.
        • planned safety measures to protect the public.
        • housing arrangements for the animals at the exhibition site and night quarter location.
        • proposed methods for sanitary control and waste removal.

        • 4

          Provide proof of valid liability insurance coverage.

          • 5

            For Outdoor Exhibits:  Exhibitors must first submit a permit application with the Mayor's Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management (CECM). Proof that a CECM permit application has been submitted must be included with the application.

              Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO)

            • 6

              Each exhibiting animal must have a fully completed health certificate from an accredited, licensed veterinarian.

              • The health certificate must be issued within 30 days of the animal's date of arrival in New York City and should list all relevant information (i.e. list type, name of vaccines, serial number if applicable) and tests administered (e.g., rabies, brucellosis, TB, Coggins, etc.). The veterinarian's license number, full office address (not a P.O. Box) and telephone number must be included for verification.
              • Written proof of current vaccination against rabies (vaccination must have occurred at least 28 days prior to arrival in NYC) for all animals for which there is an approved and licensed rabies vaccine (i.e. all horses, cattle, sheep, etc. that are three months of age or older).  For those mammals where an approved vaccine is not required, vaccinations are recommended.

              • 7

                For those 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 receive New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets approval of health certificates.  For review and approval of health certificates, please contact the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets at (518) 457-3502 or fax to (518) 485-7773.

                • 8

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

                  • 9

                    For non-CWD susceptible cervids, New York State (NYS) requires brucellosis and tuberculosis testing and a current movement permit issues by New York State. Please visit the NYS website for detailed guidance.


                    • 10

                      For Primates, New York State requires tuberculosis vaccination.

                      • 11

                        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 conducted 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 of the filovirus test is conducted 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.

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                          For Bats, Large Cats, Owls, Skunks, Sugar Gliders, Flying Squirrels, and Wolves require New York State Special Licenses. Contact the New York State Department of Conservation (ENCON) at (518) 402-8985 or visit their website.

                          • 13

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


                            • 14

                              There is no fee for this permit.

                                • Ready to Apply?

                                Apply by Mail

                                Steps to apply by mail:

                              • 1

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

                                • 2

                                  Applications must be submitted no less than 10 business days prior to the animal's arrival, and all paperwork must be up to date.

                                  • 3

                                    Requests will not be considered until all required paperwork (with required state approvals, as necessary) is submitted and all conditions for exhibiting animals have been met.

                                    • 4

                                      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)

                                        Address
                                        Office of Veterinary Public Health Services


                                        125 Worth Street, Box 66




                                        New York NY 10013
                                        Fax (646) 364-1801
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