Shelter for Homeless Animals Permit

An Animal Shelter or Shelter for Homeless Animals is a place for homeless, stray, abandoned or unwanted animals. These animals are received, harbored, maintained, made available for adoption, returned to their owners or disposed of in other lawful ways.

Animal Shelters or Shelters for Homeless Animals are owned, operated or maintained by groups that care about animals, such as humane societies, animal welfare societies, societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or other animal welfare groups.

To run an Animal Shelter, you need a permit from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).

This page explains how to apply for the permit, comply with the regulations and pass inspections. It only covers health-related regulatory requirements. You need to read all of the information to understand the DOHMH regulations.

• Required documents: You need to submit certain documents. Check the Required Documents Checklist to see what you need.

• Sales tax certificate: Show proof of a Certificate of Authority to Collect Sales Tax. The address on this certificate must match your application address. Learn more about Sales Tax Vendor Registration (Certificate of Authority).

• Insurance proof: Provide proof of Workers' Compensation and Disability Insurance. Include the insurance carrier's name, policy number and expiration date. If exempt, provide Form CE-200 stamped by the Workers' Compensation Board with the New York State-assigned Exemption Certificate Number. The certificate must list the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as the Certificate Holder. New York State Workers' Compensation

• Animal care certificate: Your shelter must have a supervising manager who has passed an Animal Care and Handling Course. Show proof of this certificate or registration in the course when you apply, and certification is required before opening the business. Learn more about the Animal Care and Handling Course.

• Pay fines: All fines for Health Code Violations must be paid before you can apply for or renew a permit. You can pay fines in person at the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection or online. Pay Outstanding Fines Online

• Email address: You need a valid email address if you are applying online.

• Permit fees:

  • No permit fee if you have IRS proof of nonprofit status.
  • $39 fee for the Animal Care & Handling Course. Pay separately from Health Code Violation payments.
  • Pay for Health Code Violations with a certified check or money order in person or with a credit or debit card online.

• Receipt of application:

  • If you applied online, you will get a receipt by email.
  • If you applied in person, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will give you a receipt.
  • Your business cannot begin to operate until it passes an inspection.
  • The supervising manager must get the Animal Care & Handling Certificate. Learn more about the Animal Care and Handling Course.

• Application processing:

  • The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) will process your application.
  • They will contact you if they need more information or documentation.

• Submitting missing documents:

  • If you did not upload all required documents, you will get a letter requesting the missing documents.
  • You must submit the missing documents within 10 days.
  • You can submit the documents in person or by mail.
  • If you do not respond, you will get a second letter.
  • If you do not respond to the second letter, your application will be terminated.
  • If your application is terminated or withdrawn, you can ask for a refund by calling 311.
  • Refunds are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

• Scheduling an inspection:

  • After submitting your application, call the DOHMH Bureau of Veterinary Public Health Services at 646-364-1783 to schedule an inspection.
  • You need to pass this inspection to get your permit.

• Starting operations:

  • If you pass the inspection and the supervising manager has the Animal Care & Handling Certificate, you can operate your business.
  • You must display the inspection report and the Certificate for the public to see.
  • You will get your actual permit in the mail.

Renewing Your Permit

• Renew your permit online using the NYC Online Licensing system.
• Register first.
• Pay any unpaid fines before renewing. You can do so online.
• For first-time online renewal, use the Personal Identification Number (PIN) from your Renewal Notice.
• The PIN links your records to one online account. Use the PIN only once per permit or license.
• If you don't have access to your Renewal Notice, get your PIN by filling out an online PIN Request Form or by calling 311.
• You may need to download Microsoft Silverlight to upload documents.
• PIN Request Form

Posting Requirements

• Display the establishment's permit for public view.
• Display the supervising manager's Animal Care and Handling Certificate for public view.

Technical Help

• For technical problems with the online system, call 311 and ask for Health Permits Online.

1. Gather all required documents.
2. Make electronic versions of these documents. You can upload PDF, JPG, GIF, PNG, XLS, XLSX, DOC, DOCX, VSD and TXT files.
3. Create an account with the NYC Online Licensing system. Have your credit or debit card ready for payment. You can save and return to your application later.
4. Select the permit type and fill in the requested information. Fields with an asterisk (*) are required. Upload your documents either individually or as a single file.
5. Pay with a credit or debit card to complete the application.

1. Review the Checklist for Applying for a Permit.
2. Gather your documents and complete the Application for Permit form. The fee depends on when you apply. Application and Information to Apply for an Animal Care & Handling Facility (PDF)
3. Submit your renewal notice and Workers' Compensation information and pay the renewal fee in person at the DCWP Citywide Licensing Center.
   
   NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)Licensing Center
   42 Broadway, Lobby
   New York, NY 10004
   Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov
4. You will get a receipt. Your business cannot operate until it passes a pre-permit inspection and the supervising manager has the Animal Care & Handling Certificate.
5. Schedule an inspection within 15 business days. If not inspected in 15 days, contact the DOHMH Bureau of Veterinary Public Health Services at 646-632-6604. You need to pass this inspection to get your permit.
6. If you pass the inspection and the supervising manager has the Animal Care & Handling certificate, you can start operating. Post the inspection report and the certificate for public view. You will get your permit in the mail.
7. Permits expire on December 31 each year. You will get a Renewal Notice three months before the expiration date.