Petting Zoos | City of New York

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Operating & Renewing

Operating Requirements

When a person is bitten by an animal, the following steps must be followed: More info

Wash the bite wound thoroughly with soap and water.
Advise the person bitten to seek immediate medical attention.
Provide the person bitten with the name, address, and telephone number where the biting animal will be kept for an observation period determined by the Department relative to the species involved.
Report the bite immediately to the DOHMH Animal Bite Unit, Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM, at (646) 632-6074. Nights, weekends, and holidays, call the Poison Control Center at (212) 764-7667.
Observe the biting animal for any signs of illness during the period determined by DOHMH. If illness develops, contact our office immediately at address below.
Cooperate with DOHMH regarding rabies control activities.

Operators must provide hand-washing stations with soap, running water, and disposable towels. Signs instructing visitors to wash hands after touching the animals must be posted.

Animal(s) must be under the direct control and supervision of handler(s) at all times.

There must be adequate protective devices present to prevent animal(s) from escaping or injuring the public. A sturdy fence or other functional barriers to prevent escape of animals must surround all petting zoo sites and access by unauthorized persons must surround all petting zoo sites. While loading and unloading animals from motor vehicles, the loading area must be fully and securely fenced.

There must be specific provisions to prevent animal waste from becoming a public health nuisance.

Each animal must be housed in a cage of adequate size appropriate for that species, with proper ventilation so as to cause no obvious discomfort.

Petting zoo operators must provide adequate shelter appropriate for each species and fresh water for all animals.

Proper animal food must be available at appropriate intervals. Operators must be in compliance with all City, State, and Federal animal laws at all times.

Animals in petting zoos may not be used for "stunts" or other activities, which may endanger or lead to injury, illness, or psychological distress of animals or people.

Hand-mouth activities such as eating, drinking, smoking, and carrying toys and pacifiers should not be permitted in areas of animal contact.

Petting zoo operators assume all responsibility and liability for injury, illness, harm, or property damage caused directly or indirectly by the animals. The petting zoo operator agrees to hold the City harmless for any incidents allegedly resulting from the granting of this permit.

There are explicit conditions under which animals may be used in a petting zoo. Failure to meet these conditions can invalidate the permission to exhibit. View the relevant Rules of New York City, Title 24: Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Title IV: Animals, Sect 161.01.

Applying for a DOHMH permit does not satisfy regulatory requirements of other City, State and Federal agencies. Failure to comply with all relevant regulations, including those under jurisdiction of other Agencies, may result in revocation of permit.