Does Nassau County, NY have its own pet store rules ordinance?

No. Nassau County, NY does not appear to have a local pet store rules ordinance, New York state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from NY Senate Statutes.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Nassau County

Nassau County, NY Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Enforced by: Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs
Minimum age to sell: 8 weeks, weaned, healthy
Max fine: up to $1,500 per violation/day
Effective: August 6, 2014

Summary

Nassau County law regulates pet dealers and pet stores selling dogs and cats: barring animals from breeders with recent USDA welfare violations, setting minimum enclosure sizes, and requiring buyer disclosures.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Nassau County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No pet dealer shall obtain animals originating from a breeder who has received and failed to cure the following violation by the deadline set by the USDA: 1) one direct violation from the USDA within the past year, 2) three or more different indirect violations, other than "no access violations" within the past year, or 3) on or more reoccurring indirect violations within the past year.

Source: NY Senate StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Nassau County's Pet Dealers and Pet Stores Law (Local Law No. 11-2014) bars any pet dealer or pet store from sourcing dogs and cats from breeders with unresolved USDA violations, including 'no access' findings on the two most recent inspections. Animals must be at least eight weeks old, weaned, and in good health before sale, trade, or give-away. Dealers must disclose USDA inspection reports and breeder/broker information on request, retain purchase invoices for two years, offer sterilization services, and meet minimum primary-enclosure and exercise-space size formulas. The county's Office of Consumer Affairs enforces the law, with the NCSPCA authorized to conduct inspections on the department's behalf.

Violations & Fines

Civil fines run up to $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second, and $1,500 for each one after that: every day a violation continues is treated as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Nassau County pet stores still sell dogs and cats?

Yes. The law regulates sourcing, disclosure, and welfare standards for pet dealers and stores rather than banning retail sales, but it bars stock from breeders with recent USDA violations.

Does this law apply countywide, including inside towns and villages?

Yes: it applies to pet dealers and pet stores throughout Nassau County regardless of which town, city, or village they operate in.

What must a Nassau County pet store disclose to buyers?

On request: USDA inspection reports and the breeder or broker's name, address, and USDA license number, plus the animal's birth date and a veterinary health certificate.

Sources & Official References

[1]Nassau County — Laws Enforced by Consumer Affairs

Other rules in Nassau County

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All Nassau County rules

New York rules heatmap·Compare Nassau County to another location·View the New York animal ordinances overview

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