NYS Animal Rescue Compliance Hub

Compliance Dashboard

Overall Compliance Status

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Getting Started

Critical Deadlines

Dec 15, 2025: Article 26-C becomes effective

Nov 15, 2025: Recommended application submission

Licensing

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Training

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Records

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Facility

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Licensing Requirements

Annual License Fee: $150 (Non-refundable)

License must be renewed 30 days prior to expiration

Required Documents Checklist

Certified certificate of incorporation as not-for-profit in NYS Bylaws or organizational rules and amendments IRS tax exemption determination letter NYS Charities Bureau Registration Number

Application Form Helper

Record Keeping System

Record Retention: All records must be maintained for 3 years minimum

Individual Animal Record Template

Animal ID

Species

Intake Date

Source Name

Source Address

Source Phone

Behavioral/Health History

Foster Provider Records

Manage foster agreements and provider information

Training Documentation

Track staff and volunteer training completion

Training Management

Training Deadlines: New hires must complete training within 60 days. Annual training required thereafter.

Required Training Topics

Humane handling techniques Infectious diseases commonly found in animal shelters Zoonotic diseases Animal cruelty Sanitation procedures Body language and normal behaviors for all species regularly handled Required documentation and data entry

Staff Training Tracker

Facility Compliance

Facility Standards Checklist

Adequate space, ventilation, sound control, stress-reducing features Daily cleaning with appropriate disinfectants Life-stage-appropriate nutrition and timely medical treatment 2-hour intake assessment by trained staff Behavioral enrichment and stress prevention measures Foster care standards compliance

Protocol Templates

Foster Care Management

Foster Requirements: Written agreements must be renewed every 2 years with background checks

Foster Care Requirements

Written agreement renewed every 2 years Background check requirements Care standards compliance Record keeping requirements Monitoring and inspection protocols

Foster Provider Database

Compliance Calendar

Key Deadlines

Dec 15, 2025

Article 26-C Effective Date

All rescues must be licensed

Nov 15, 2025

Recommended Application Submission

Submit to ensure processing time

Oct 1, 2025

Final Preparations

Begin compliance preparations and staff training

Set Custom Reminders

Resources & Help

NYS Department of Agriculture

Official licensing information and guidance

Visit Site

Fear Free Shelters Training

Free online training on humane animal handling

Visit Site

ASPCApro Resources

Shelter management and training resources

Visit Site

NYS Companion Animal Capital Fund

Grant funding for facility improvements

Visit Site

Frequently Asked Questions

Penalties range from $100 to $1,000 per violation.

We recommend submitting by November 15, 2025 to ensure processing before the December 15, 2025 effective date.