2023 New York Laws
AGM - Agriculture and Markets
Article 26-C - Regulation of Animal Shelters
426 - Sanitation.

Universal Citation:
NY Agric & Mkts L § 426 (2023)
Learn more This media-neutral citation is based on the American Association of Law Libraries Universal Citation Guide and is not necessarily the official citation.

* § 426. Sanitation. Any animal shelter licensed pursuant to this article shall establish and maintain sanitation protocols that include the following:

1. use of one or more agents that have cleaning and disinfectant properties that are effective under conditions present in a given environment and with demonstrated effectiveness against the pathogens for which animals are at risk;

2. removal of animals from enclosures and placement in another appropriate enclosure or separation from the area being cleaned or disinfected by a functional compartment door when water, cleaning, or disinfecting agents are sprayed in or near an animal's enclosure;

3. dedicated equipment for cleaning and disinfection for use in each separate area of the shelter designated as cat or dog isolation, holding, adoptions or other functionally separate areas within the facility;

4. cleaning and disinfecting in between each use of items and surfaces that come into contact with animals, including but not limited to food and water bowls, litter boxes and exam tables, or procedures to discard and replace with new items for each animal;

5. cleaning and disinfecting all enclosures for temporary or permanent housing before a new animal enters such enclosure;

6. daily cleaning and at least once weekly disinfecting of enclosures that house the same animal or animals during a long-term stay;

7. cleaning and disinfecting enclosures when the enclosure becomes heavily soiled or otherwise contaminated or a new animal is added to the enclosure;

8. laundering of all animal bedding in a machine with detergent when soiled and thoroughly drying such bedding before reuse, or removing and disposing of such bedding appropriately;

9. cleaning of outdoor premises from clutter that may pose a safety concern and fecal material removed at least once daily;

10. appropriate use and disposal of protective garments worn during cleaning and intensive animal-handling activities within an animal shelter; and

11. proper hygiene of shelter staff, volunteers, and visitors, including signage, supervision, and hand sanitation.

* NB Effective December 15, 2025


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