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New York Small Animal Care Law Takes Effect March 11

Pet Age Staff//February 29, 2016//

New York Small Animal Care Law Takes Effect March 11

Pet Age Staff //February 29, 2016//

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Effective March 11, 2016, the newly-enacted Section 391-t of NY General Business Law will require that every pet dealer or retailer to provide access to digital or written instructions on the care of all small animals sold to the public.

The new law provides that the instructions must be obtained from sources including but not limited to state or national veterinary professional associations, reptile associations, or pet industry organizations. It will include information on housing, sanitation, feeding and watering, handling and veterinary care.

In order that New York’s small animal retailers may be compliant with the requirements of this new law, PIJAC is offering downloadable Animal Care Sheets for Retailers and Hobbyists. They are available at www.pijac.org/newyork.

The new law defines “small animal” as small mammals, excluding dogs or cats, including hamsters, chinchillas, guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits, mice, rats, ferrets, as well as amphibians and reptiles. Feeder animals are not included in the requirements.