What state law in New York says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
Last verified November 3, 2026
🚗 Hot cars
Law in place — only officials may rescue
Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in New York. Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window.
Animals covered: Companion animal
Penalty: Any person who knowingly violates this section is guilty of a violation: 1st offense - fine of not less than $50 not more than $100 2nd offense – fine of not less than $100 not more than $250
Yes. New York requires dogs, cats and ferrets by 4 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years).
What the law says: Every dog, cat and domesticated ferret shall have all initial vaccinations administered no later than 4 months after birth. McKinney's Public Health Law § 2141
Medical exemptions: In lieu thereof, a statement certified by a licensed veterinarian stating that because of old age or another reason, the life of the dog or dogs would be endangered by the administration of vaccine. McKinney's Agriculture and Markets Law § 109
Partly. Local dangerous-dog programs may not regulate dogs by breed. Other breed-based rules are not expressly prohibited, so check your city’s ordinances.
New York has no dog-bite strict liability statute. Under the “one-bite” rule and negligence law, an injured person usually has to show the owner knew — or should have known — the dog was dangerous, or was careless in controlling it.
Yes. New York lets a court include pets in a domestic-violence protective order (since 2006) — for example by giving the petitioner care of the animal and ordering the abuser not to harm or take it.
In July of 2006, the amendment that allows companion animals owned by the petitioner of the order or a minor child residing in the household to be included in the order was signed into law. The law specifically allows a court to order the respondent to refrain from intentionally injuring or killing, without justification, any companion animal the respondent knows to be owned, possessed, leased, kept or held by the petitioner or a minor child residing in the household.
For moves, yes; for visits, no. A health certificate from a vet exam within 30 days is required, but pets passing through or staying temporarily are exempt if they have proof of rabies vaccination.
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
Health Certificate required.
HC must state that the examination revealed no clinical evidence of infectious or communicable disease, including external parasites and fungi, and that to the best of the veterinarian's knowledge, the dog has not recently been exposed to such infectious or communicable disease.
Must be vaccinated against rabies within 12 months prior to date of importation. The 3 year vaccine is acceptable but must be noted as such on the HC.
The rabies immunization requirement for dogs does not apply if the is under 3 months of age or if the veterinarian certifies that the life of the dog would be endangered by the vaccination.
For dogs and cats, the Health Certificate shall show that the dog or cat was examined by a veterinarian within 30 days of entry into NY. In addition, the Health Certificate must list the date of examination, breed, sex, and age of the dog or cat, state or country of origin, and full name and complete address of the consignee and consignor.
Dogs and cats (1) passing through the state to points beyond, (2) brought into the state for temporary residence or exhibition and (3) which enter the state for delivery to research institutions, dealers or other persons registered or licensed and regulated by the USDA are exempt from the Health Certificate requirement as long as they are properly restrained at all times and under the immediate control of the owner or custodian, and are accompanied by proof of rabies vaccination.
Yes. New York requires every dog 4 months and older to be licensed by the town, city or village, with proof of rabies vaccination; a new owner must apply immediately.
New York has no statewide leash law. Any municipality may enact a local law on keeping dogs and dogs running at large, including night-time confinement orders.
