Call 911
Call 911 to report immediate threats involving a dangerous or illegal animal on NYCHA property.

In NYCHA buildings:

  • Each household may own one domestic dog or cat.
  • The animal can weigh no more than 25 pounds (40 pounds if registered before February 1, 2010).
  • Full- or mixed-breed Doberman Pincher, Pit Bull, and Rottweiler dogs of any weight are no longer allowed unless they were registered before January 31, 2010. If they were not registered before January 31, 2010, they must be removed from NYCHA property.

You must complete a registration form within 30 days of getting a dog, cat, or Service Animal. Forms are available at your building management office. Most residents must pay a one-time, non-refundable $25 dollar fee. Unregistered animals may not visit or live in NYCHA apartments.

After you register, you must submit paperwork from a veterinarian that says your pet has been:

  • Examined
  • Spayed or neutered
  • Vaccinated for rabies
  • Licensed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

You can keep reasonable amounts of small pets in cages or tanks. You do not need to register pets such as:

  • Fish
  • Birds
  • Hamsters
  • Gerbils
  • Guinea pigs

Learn more about the NYCHA pet policy.

You can report a violation of the NYCHA pet policy to the NYCHA Customer Contact Center.

  • Agency: New York City Housing Authority
  • Division: Maintenance Hotline
  • Phone Number: (718) 707-7771
  • Business Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Staff is available at all times to handle emergencies and schedule routine maintenance repairs for Mon - Fri: 6:00 AM - midnight. Automated assistance is also available in Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish.

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