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Philadelphia, PA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Pet shops
must source rescue/shelter dogs and cats
Minimum sale age
8 weeks old
Fine
$150–$300 per violation
Enacted
Bill No. 160013 (2016)
Enforced by
Animal Control Agency

Summary

Philadelphia pet shops cannot sell a dog or cat unless it comes from an animal care facility or rescue organization, and no dog or cat under eight weeks old may be sold.

(1) No pet shop shall offer for sale any dog or cat unless it has obtained the dog or cat from, or displays the dog or cat in cooperation with, an animal care facility or an animal rescue organization. (2) No pet shop shall offer for sale a dog or cat that is younger than eight weeks old.

Source: Philadelphia Code §9-625View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Philadelphia Code § 10-117 bars pet shops from offering any dog or cat for sale unless it was obtained from, or is displayed in cooperation with, a licensed animal care facility or a 501(c)(3) animal rescue organization, effectively closing the door on commercially bred "puppy mill" stock at retail. A companion minimum-age rule bars sale of any dog or cat younger than eight weeks. The City separately bans street/parking-lot animal sales (§ 10-118) and, since a 2016 ordinance, runs a moratorium restricting transfers of dogs under seven months citywide (§ 10-119).

Violations & Fines

Fine of $150 to $300 per violation under § 10-115's default penalty (not one of the enumerated Class III offenses). The Department of Licenses and Inspections or Animal Control Agency may also deny, revoke, or suspend the shop's license, or order the facility closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Philadelphia pet store sell puppies from a commercial breeder?
No. Under Code § 10-117, a pet shop may only offer a dog or cat obtained from, or displayed in cooperation with, an animal care facility or animal rescue organization.
How young can a Philadelphia pet shop sell a puppy or kitten?
Not younger than eight weeks old, § 10-117(2) bars sale of any dog or cat under that age.

Sources & Official References

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All Philadelphia rules

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