Prohibited Wild Animals

New York City does not allow people to have animals that are naturally inclined and capable of inflicting harm on people.

Prohibited animals include:

• Any animals determined by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).
• Wild animals that are designated protected or endangered by federal, State or local laws.

You cannot sell, give, receive, keep or show these animals in New York City, with the exception of:

• Zoos or aquariums run by the Department of Parks, the Wildlife Conservation Society or the Staten Island Zoological Society.

• Scientific labs with valid permits and licenses.

• Circuses or wildlife rehabilitators licensed by federal or State agencies.

• Places with a Wild Animal Exhibition Permit from the DOHMH.

Permitted pets:

• Domesticated dogs and cats
• Gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs
• Domesticated rabbits and fowl
• Small birds, such as parakeets, parrots, canaries and finches

These permitted pets are allowed to be sold, given, received, kept or shown if no other law bans them.

If you have a prohibited animal, City workers can seize it, and the NYC Health Commissioner will decide what happens to the animal.