New York is one of the most legally layered states in the country when it comes to keeping farm animals as pets. Whether you want a few backyard hens in a small town, a pair of miniature goats on a suburban lot, or a horse on a rural property, the rules you need to follow depend heavily on where you live — not just what state you live in.
Before you bring any farm animal home, you need to understand how New York’s state law interacts with county and municipal codes, what permits may be required, and how zoning classifications shape your options. This guide walks through each of those layers so you can make an informed decision and avoid costly violations.
Pro Tip: Always contact your local town or village zoning office before acquiring any farm animal. Zoning rules in New York vary dramatically from one municipality to the next, and what is allowed two towns over may be prohibited where you live.
Which Farm Animals Can You Keep as Pets in New York
New York State does not maintain a single statewide list of farm animals approved for private pet ownership. Instead, state law draws a sharp legal line between farm animals and companion animals. New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law §350(5) defines “companion animal” or “pet” as any dog or cat, and also any other domesticated animal normally maintained near the household of the owner — but this definition explicitly excludes farm animals…