THE DOGS OF PUBLIC HOUSING

CHANGES TO NYCHA'S PET POLICY

Residents of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) may own either one domesticated dog or one domesticated cat per apartment, provided the pet owner follows the requirements of the Housing Authority's Pet Policy. However, because of an increase in biting incidents, beginning May 1st, NYCHA will be implementing a revised Pet Policy to better ensure that development grounds and buildings provide a safe environment for residents, visitors and guests. The revised policy includes a list of prohibited breeds of dogs and a change in the weight limit for full grown dogs from 40 pounds to 25 pounds. Dogs which have already been registered with NYCHA before the implementation of this revised policy, whether or not they are on the list of prohibited breeds or exceed the weight limit, are permitted.

Prohibited Breeds: NYCHA has designated a variety of mixed and full breed dogs that cannot be owned or registered by NYCHA residents. The prohibited breeds are:

Akita Inu
Alangu Mastiff
Alano Español
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Argentine Dogo
Bedington Terrier
Boston Terrier
Bull and Terrier

Bull Terrier
Bully Kutta
Cane Corso
Dogue de Bordeaux
Dogo Sardesco
English Mastiff
Fila Brasileiro
Gull Dong
Gull Terr

Irish Staffordshire Bull
Korea Jindo Dog
Lottatore Brindisino
Neapolitan Mastiff
Perro de Presa Canario (Canary dog)
Perro de Presa Mallorquin (Ca de Bou)
Shar Pei
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Tosa Inu Weight Limit: Dogs with projected full-grown adult weight that exceeds 25 pounds are not permitted. The previous weight limit was 40 pounds. Service animals are exempt from any weight or breed restrictions.

Unless you registered your dog prior to the implementation date of the revised pet policy you are not allowed to own or register a mixed or full breed dog which is a prohibited breed or is projected to weigh over 25 pounds when full grown.

Other Pets: Reasonable quantities of other pets are permitted if not prohibited by the New York City Health Code. Permitted pets include small caged birds (canaries and parakeets), fish, and small caged animals such as gerbils, guinea pigs, and hamsters if their numbers do not create a nuisance or unsanitary condition. You may not keep animals prohibited by the NYC Health Code, which are illegal anywhere in New York City, or animals deemed to be vicious or dangerous.

Pet Registration and Fee
Pet owners must register their dog or cat with NYCHA on a one-time basis, at any time, but no later than the time of the annual review. The registration includes the completion of a Dog and Cat Veterinarian Certification showing that NYCHA?pet requirements are being followed. There is a one-time, non-refundable pet registration fee of $25.00 for all residents who do not reside at project based Section 8 developments. Service animals and animals that live in buildings designated exclusively for senior citizens are exempt from the fee.

In Addition: Dogs must be licensed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and wear their license tag when in public. They must also be on a leash, six feet long or less when in public.

Residents must comply with NYCHA's Pet Policy as a condition of your lease with NYCHA. Visit NYCHA's Web site at nyc.gov/nycha to view the full pet policy.