Exhibiting Exotic Animals
This permit is required for the exhibition or use of any animal in New York City for commercial purposes. This includes animals used in theatrical performances, circuses, or in demonstrations by wildlife rehabilitators.
Animals otherwise illegal to keep under the Health Code (see link to Prohibited Wild Animals below) can be used in an exhibition if all conditions as outlined below are met. Submission of an application with required attachments is required 10 business days before the date of each animal's arrival. All requests must be in writing and must comply with the following:
- Exhibited animals must be under direct control and supervision of handlers at all times. There can be no direct public contact with these animals. Animals and animal waste must not create a public health nuisance.
- Each animal must be housed in a cage of adequate size for that species with proper ventilation, so as to cause no obvious discomfort to the animal.
- No animals are to be sold, bartered, or given away at the exhibit. All Federal and State regulations regarding the importation and transportation of animals must be adhered to. (See USDA's Animal Welfare link below)
- Any changes in exhibition schedule will invalidate permission to exhibit. Failure to notify the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene of any changes in the exhibition schedule will invalidate permission to exhibit.
This information encompasses only health-related aspects of the regulatory requirements of this type of permit. There are explicit conditions under which animals may be exhibited and failure to meet these conditions can invalidate permission to exhibit.
Exhibitors assume all responsibility and liability for personal injury, illness, harm or property damage caused directly or indirectly by the animals in the exhibit. Exhibitor also agrees to hold the City of New York harmless for any resulting personal injury or property damage alleged to have been caused by the Department’s granting of permission for the exhibit or use of animals.
Review and complete the application. Applications with supporting documentation must be submitted no less than 10 business days prior to the animal's arrival.
Applicants must provide a description of:
- the type or purpose of the exhibit, including dates, times and the full address where the exhibit will take place.
- planned safety measures to protect the public.
- housing arrangements for the animals at the exhibition site and night quarter location.
- proposed methods for sanitary control and waste removal.
For Outdoor Exhibits: Exhibitors must first submit a permit application with the Mayor's Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management (CECM). Proof that a CECM permit application has been submitted must be included with the application.
Each exhibiting animal must have a fully completed health certificate from an accredited, licensed veterinarian.
- The health certificate must be issued within 30 days of the animal's date of arrival in New York City and should list all relevant information (i.e. list type, name of vaccines, serial number if applicable) and tests administered (e.g., rabies, brucellosis, TB, Coggins, etc.). The veterinarian's license number, full office address (not a P.O. Box) and telephone number must be included for verification.
- Written proof of current vaccination against rabies (vaccination must have occurred at least 28 days prior to arrival in NYC) for all animals for which there is an approved and licensed rabies vaccine (i.e. all horses, cattle, sheep, etc. that are three months of age or older). For those mammals where an approved vaccine is not required, vaccinations are recommended.
Complete all required paperwork and mail or fax the completed paperwork to the DOHMH Office of Veterinary Public Health Services.
