Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Pittsburgh

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

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

Key Facts

Effective date
June 18, 2016
Allowed source
Shelter or rescue only
Breeder exemption
Sales at breeding premises OK
Compliance record
Certificate of source required
Max penalty
$1,000 fine, 30 days jail

Summary

Pittsburgh pet shops and other commercial establishments may sell dogs, cats, or rabbits only if the animal came from an animal care facility or rescue organization: sourcing from commercial breeders for retail resale is prohibited citywide.

It is unlawful for any person to display, offer for sale, deliver, barter, auction, give away, transfer, or sell any live dog, cat, or rabbit in any pet shop or other commercial establishment located in the City of Pittsburgh, unless the animal was obtained from an animal care facility or a rescue organization. All pet shops or other commercial establishments selling dogs, cats, or rabbits shall maintain a certificate of source for each of the animals...

Source: Pittsburgh Animal Care and ControlView official code

Full Breakdown

City Code § 638.02 bars any pet shop or commercial establishment in Pittsburgh from displaying, offering, selling, or transferring a live dog, cat, or rabbit unless it was obtained from a licensed animal care facility (shelter) or a 501(c)(3) rescue organization. Stores must keep a certificate of source for each animal, showing the source organization and a description, photo, and license number, and produce it on request to animal control, police, or code officials. Breeders selling directly from the premises where animals were bred and reared are exempt.

Violations & Fines

Each violation is a separate offense punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 30 days imprisonment, with every distinct sale or day of noncompliance charged separately under Chapter 638.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Pittsburgh pet store sell puppies from a breeder?
No: under § 638.02 pet shops may only sell dogs, cats, or rabbits sourced from an animal care facility or rescue organization, not commercial breeders.
Can a breeder still sell animals directly in Pittsburgh?
Yes, § 638.02(c) exempts sales made from the premises where the dog, cat, or rabbit was actually bred and reared.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pittsburgh

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsWildlife Rescue PermitsSignificant RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionHeavy RestrictionsCoyote ManagementSignificant RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Pittsburgh rules

Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Pet Store Rules in Pittsburgh, PA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.