Overview
Animal shelters, rescue organizations and other non-profit entities that offer animal adoptions in New York that are now required to register with the Department, per legislation signed by Governor Cuomo in August 2017. This is part of an effort to provide increased transparency to potential pet owners.
Get Registered
To register, entities should fill out the application form below and submit it to the Department.
After the registration application is approved, the entity will then receive a Pet Shelter and Rescue Dealer Registration Number. This number should be prominently displayed on all organization websites, publications, and advertisements made to the public. This lets consumers know that the entity is registered with the Department and has been determined to have legitimate not-for-profit status.
Find a Rescue or Shelter
If you are looking to adopt an animal from a shelter or rescue organization, please check out the list below to see the registered entities in New York State.
Related: Pet Dealers
Selling dogs or cats? You may be required to get licensed as a pet dealer.
Use the document below to learn whether you need to register as a rescue or become a licensed pet dealer.
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Registered Rescue or Pet Dealer?
Use this document to find out whether your business needs to register as a rescue or become licensed as a pet dealer.
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