You Want a Pet Capybara in Your Brooklyn Apartment? NYC Might Meow at That
Living in the concrete jungle doesn't mean you can't have a furry (or feathery, or scaly) friend by your side. But hold on to your hot dog cart leash, because New York City has some, shall we say, interesting rules about what qualifies as a cuddle companion.
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| What Pets Are Illegal In New York City |
Big Cats? Big No.
Forget about stalking the bodega cat with a lion cub by your side. Lions, tigers, and their ferocious feline fellows are a definite no-no in the Big Apple. This might seem obvious, but apparently, someone once thought a leopard would be a purr-fect apartment mate (spoiler alert: it wasn't).
Fun Fact: The Bronx Zoo isn't the only place with lions in New York. In the 1980s, a man named Antonio "Tony" Santiago kept a tiger named Ming in his Harlem apartment for several years before authorities intervened.
The Ferret Fiasco: NYC vs. The Fuzzballs
Those adorable little ferret ninjas? Illegal. This one stings for many a New Yorker. These playful creatures are common pets elsewhere, but the city just doesn't trust us with their mischievous charm. Maybe they're worried we'll train them to steal pizza from delivery guys?
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
Side note: If you're looking for a cuddle buddy that fits in a purse, maybe a hamster is more your speed. Those are perfectly legal. Just don't try to train it to ride the subway.
Exotic Escapees: Snakes, Spiders, and Scorpions... Oh My!
While a python draped around your neck might make a killer Instagram post (please don't do that), it's a big nope in NYC. The same goes for scorpions and their venomous friends. Basically, if it slithers, crawls, and could give you a nasty bite, leave it in the wild (or a licensed zoo).
However, fish and invertebrates like snails and some species of insects are totally fine! Just make sure your fish aren't piranhas and your pet centipede isn't the size of a dachshund.
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
So You Want a NYC-Approved Pet?
Here are some critters that are happy to share your shoebox-sized apartment:
- Dogs (the domesticated kind, not your neighbor's yappy Chihuahua's wild cousin)
- Cats (ditto, unless you somehow befriended a bobcat)
- Hamsters, guinea pigs, and other small rodents (just don't let them loose in the subway)
- Birds (finches, parakeets, parrots with nice vocabularies)
- Rabbits (just don't expect them to paint Easter eggs)
Frequently Asked Questions: Befriending NYC Pets
How to find a pet-friendly apartment in NYC?
This can be a challenge, but there are resources online and with realtors specializing in apartments that allow furry friends.
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
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How to choose the right pet for your NYC lifestyle?
Consider your living space, budget, and energy level. A Great Dane might not be ideal for a studio apartment, and a gerbil might not keep up with your desire for adventure.
How to walk your dog in NYC without stepping in...well, you know?
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
There are a plethora of dog waste disposal bags available. Use them religiously and become a responsible pet owner!
How to keep your NYC apartment from smelling like a zoo?
Regular cleaning, litter box maintenance, and baths (for the pets that tolerate them) are key!
How to deal with a homesick pet in a tiny apartment?
Take them for walks, provide them with stimulating toys, and consider doggy daycare or kitty playdates if possible.
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