It's Illegal To Have This Dog Breed As A Pet In New York State

If you're interested in becoming a pet parent and live in New York State, there is one breed of dog that is illegal to own. According to Pawlicy Advisor, 49.7% of New York State households own a pet with 21.1% having a cat and 27% having a dog. So it's clear, New Yorkers love dogs!

Photo by Andriyko Podilnyk on Unsplash

This Is The One Dog Breed It's Illegal To Have As A Pet In New York State

Photo by Francesco Bazzani on Unsplash

You may have never heard of this breed, but a wolfdog is actually illegal to own as a pet in most situations in New York State. According to Pets Web MD,

Wolfdogs, also called wolf-dog hybrids, are animals that are part wolf and part dog. Both species share an evolutionary past, making them very physically and behaviorally similar.

New York State Law bans ownership of wolfdogs, in most cases,

No person shall, except under a license or permit first obtained from the department containing the prominent warning notice specified in subdivision nine of section 11-0917 of this article, possess, transport or cause to be transported, imported or exported any live wolf, wolfdog, coyote, coydog, fox, skunk, raccoon, venomous reptile, endangered species designated pursuant to section 11-0535 of this title.

Photo by Jordan Bracco on Unsplash

While the breed is mostly illegal, there are some things that a person interested in owning one can do,

- Get a special permit from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
- The wolfdog must be at least 40% domesticated
- Have a liability insurance policy of at least $100,000
- Provide proof of a current rabies vaccination

Regardless of securing a permit, wolfdogs are not permitted in the 5 boroughs on New York City.