Animal Ordinances in Albany County, NY (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Albany County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
Exotic Pets
Albany County bars anyone from possessing or displaying a live venomous or devenomed snake unless they operate a licensed laboratory, an accredited educational institution, or a registered anti-venom snake farm. Even eligible keepers need a Health Department permit, on-site anti-venom for every species held, and a posted placard warning the public, under County Code § 110-1 et seq.
Albany County Venomous Snake Ban
Significant RestrictionsCode of the County of Albany §§ 110-2, 110-4, 110-8
No person shall possess or display a live venomous snake or live devenomed snake within the County of Albany unless such person is or operates: a laboratory pursuant to Public Health Law § 504; a university, college, academy, library, museum or other institution or association for the promotion of science chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York or incorporated by the...
Cat Rules
Albany County has opted into New York's shorter shelter hold for cats: under 'Lulu's Law,' Code § 110-42, a duly incorporated humane society, SPCA or municipal shelter may place an unidentified stray cat for adoption or transfer to a rescue organization after just three days, instead of the state's default five-day hold, following a veterinary exam.
Albany County 'Lulu's Law' Cat Adoption
Light RestrictionsCode of the County of Albany § 110-42
The Albany County Legislature hereby establishes that a cat may be placed for adoption or transfer to a rescue organization after three days by a duly incorporated humane society, a duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or any animal shelter maintained by or under contract or agreement with any city, town or village in Albany County. This also provides that said ca...
Pet Store Rules
Anyone who sells more than nine dogs or cats a year in Albany County for profit must hold a Commissioner-issued pet seller permit and meet minimum standards of care, or a source-breeder certification for dogs, under Code § 110-19 et seq. Buyers get statutory refund, exchange or vet-reimbursement rights if a licensed veterinarian finds the animal unfit for purchase.
Albany County Pet Seller Licensing Law
Some RestrictionsCode of the County of Albany § 110-21
It is unlawful for any pet seller to display, offer for sale, sell, barter or exchange for nominal consideration any dog or cat within the County of Albany without first obtaining a permit from the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall issue permits to pet sellers only upon proof that the animals displayed, offered for sale or sold by such sellers are raised and maintained in a safe and healthy ...
Animal Ordinances by City in Albany County
2 cities in Albany County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Albany County ordinances
See every category we cover for Albany County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Albany County Ordinance Hub →