December 15 is Final Date for Retail Pet Shops in New York

Beginning December 15, 2024, the Puppy Mill Pipeline Law will take effect, ending the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores across New York State.

What does this mean for families looking for a pet?

This prohibition targets out-of-state puppy mills and their brokers, plus the small number of stores that still sell puppies in New York. This legislation does not impact responsible breeders who sell the dogs they breed directly to families, and it still allows pet stores to start or continue their partnerships with local animal shelters and rescue organizations to showcase homeless animals for adoption.