Article · NYC311

You need a certificate in animal care and handling to manage a pet shop or business that sells, grooms, or houses cats, dogs, or other small animals. After you complete this course and pass the final exam, you will get a certificate to show that you have met the Health Code requirement.

The course is provided by the NYC Health Academy. It is offered twice a year over two days for six hours each day. The cost, including final exam, is $39.

You can register in person or online.

Class Location

Classes are located at:

Health Academy
The Riverside Health Center, 2nd floor
160 West 100th Street (near Columbus Avenue)
New York, NY 10025

You can register and pay for the course online or in person.

Online

Go to the Health Academy website and select the course for which you wish to register. You will be directed to the Health Academy online registration system.

You can pay online with the following methods:

Master Card (debit and credit)
Visa (debit and credit)
American Express
Discover Card
Electronic check (you must provide your bank routing number and account number)

A 2 percent convenience fee will be added to all credit and debit card payments.

Learn more about the Health Academy.

In Person

Go to the Citywide Licensing Center at:

42 Broadway
New York, NY 10004
Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9 AM - 5 PM; Wed: 8:30 AM - 5 PM

You may pay by check or money order, credit or debit cards.

If you have questions about payments, refunds, or rescheduling a class, or if you are having problems using the online registration system, you can get help over the phone.

Call 311 for assistance.

Animal Care and Handling Course

Registration and Payment

Payment, Refunds, Rescheduling, and Technical Assistance