NYCHA Pet Policy

The following are highlights of the NYCHA pet policy (Revised January 2021):

Dog/Cat: A household may own either one dog or one cat. Such dog or cat must be registered in accordance with NYCHA's pet registration requirements.

Weight Limits as of February 1, 2010: Residents who wish to maintain a dog in their NYCHA apartment will be permitted to register such dog, provided the adult weight of the dog does not exceed 25 pounds. Specifically prohibited dogs (either full breed or mixed breed) include Doberman Pinscher, Pit Bull, and Rottweiler. Assistance Animals are exempt from weight and breed restrictions.

Registration: Every household that owns a dog, a cat, or an Assistance Animal MUST complete and submit a registration form to NYCHA (available at the management office) within 30 days of acquiring such dog, cat, or an assistance animal. If tenant is adding a new pet after a pet has been removed from the household, (e.g., the pet has passed away), the tenant must provide proof that the animal was removed from the household or complete NYCHA Form 040.299B, Animal Removal Agreement. If documentation cannot be provided, a dog, cat, or an assistance animal that is not registered, may not reside in a NYCHA apartment.

Dog Tag: When in public or common areas, all dogs (including dogs that are assistance animals) must wear a NYCHA issued tag on a collar around the neck. Please note that this does not eliminate or replace New York City’s dog license requirement (Health Code §161.04).

Assistance Animals: There are two types of assistance animals: (1) service animal, which is defined as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability; and (2) other (trained or untrained) animals that do work, perform tasks, provide assistance, and/or provide therapeutic emotional support for individuals (e.g. support animals). A service animal can only be a dog.

Tenants seeking a reasonable accommodation for an assistance animal must complete NYCHA Form 040.505, Dog, Cat, and Assistance Animal Registration Form. Assistance animals must be registered.

Other Pets: Reasonable quantities of other pets such as small, caged birds (parakeets, canaries), fish and small caged animals (hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs), maintained in accordance with the NYC Health Code, are permitted. These animals do not need registration. This paragraph does not apply to dogs or cats.

Dangerous Pets: Animals that are vicious, threatening, bite people or that are otherwise prohibited by law are not permitted in NYCHA apartments or on NYCHA property. Residents are not permitted to keep dangerous dogs, including fighting dogs, or attack dogs, on NYCHA property. This rule also applies to assistance animals.

Pet Conduct: Pets must be kept in a manner that will not create a nuisance, excessive noise or an unsafe or unsanitary condition. A pet must not injure, cause harm, or threaten other people. A pet must not cause damage to personal property or to other animals. A pet must not damage NYCHA property or premises, including buildings (inside or outside an apartment), elevators, common grounds, trees, shrubs, or ground cover. This rule also applies to assistance animals.

Pet Waste: Pet owners must clean up after their pets, in their apartment and in public areas and dispose of pet waste, including cat litter box filler, in the compactor with the regular garbage, not in the toilet. Dogs must be curbed. Solid dog waste must be picked up. This rule also applies to assistance animals.

Dog Leash: A dog must always be kept on a leash, six feet long or less, while in a public area both inside and outside of NYCHA buildings.

Pet-Free Zone: Pets are not allowed to enter a designated "no-pet" area, such as Management Offices, playgrounds, Community Facilities, laundry rooms, basement areas, barbecue areas, roofs, or roof landings. Assistance animals may enter pet-free zones, as necessary.

Spay/Neuter: Dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered. This rule also applies to assistance animals.

Vaccination: Dogs and cats must have a current rabies vaccination. This rule also applies to assistance animals.

Fee Exemptions: No fees required.

Call 911 to report a vicious or threatening animal causing an immediate danger or hazardous condition.

Call or visit your local management office to report non-compliance with NYCHA's pet policy.