Petting Zoos

No wild, ferocious, fierce, or dangerous animals are permitted in petting zoos. Prohibited animals include, but are not limited to: (i) exotic species, (ii) behavior modified wild animals, (iii) hybrid offspring of domestic animals, (iv) wild dogs and cats, (v) primates, (vi) bears, (vii) wolves, (viii) ferrets, (ix) bulls, (x) stallions, (xi) male llamas, (xii) individual domestic animals having a history of unruly behavior or causing harm. The Department may confiscate prohibited animals.

Sick, diseased, injured, or distressed animals may not be used in petting zoos, or held at the site of a petting zoo. In the event that an animal becomes sick or injured while in a petting zoo, the operator must seek immediate veterinary care for the animal. Written proof of veterinary care is required. Exhibitors must arrange for local, on-call veterinary emergency care in advance of the petting zoo date.

All ponies, horses and other equines used in pony rides, horse rides, carriage rides, hayrides, or other work for profit, are considered rental horses and must be licensed with VPHS.

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.

Prior to receiving permission to operate a petting zoo in New York City, each animal must have a completely and appropriately filled-out health certificate from an accredited, licensed veterinarian issued within 30 days of the animal's date of arrival in New York City (i.e. list type, name of vaccines [serial number, if applicable] and tests administered, e.g. rabies, brucellosis, tuberculosis, Coggins, etc.). The veterinarian's physical office address (not a PO Box) and telephone number must be included.

For those animals from New York State: Health certificates are required for intrastate movement of animals into NYC (no state approval is required).

Provide proof of valid liability insurance coverage.

For petting zoos taking place in public places, the City of New York requires zoo operators to submit a permit application with the Mayor's Office of City-wide Event Coordination and Management (CECM). Proof that a CECM permit application has been submitted must be included with the application for a Petting Zoo permit.

Written proof of current vaccination against rabies, at least 14 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 for licensing, vaccinations are recommended.

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 or see the link to New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, above.

See New York State requirements concerning: More info

There is no fee for this type of permit.

For assistance with the requirements for applying for this permit, call the DOHMH Office of Veterinary Public Health Services at (646) 632-6604.