Westchester County, NY

Westchester & Putnam Counties, NY Dog Resource Guide

Local Laws and Ordinances That Affect Dog Owners

• Licensing Laws - The state of New York requires that all dogs age four months or older must be licensed with their local city or town. Visit these sites or check with your local government offices for pricing:  New Rochelle (Sect. 89-8), Putnam Valley, Mamaroneck (Sect. 156-6), Elmsford (Sect. 89-5-A), Scarsdale (Sect. 141-9).
• Leashing Laws - Tuckahoe (Sect. 5-22), Croton-on-the-Hudson, New Rochelle (Sect. 89-1), New Windsor, Putnam Valley, Rye (Sect. 76-2), Mamaroneck (Sect. 156-1), Elmsford (Sect. 89-5-B), Dobbs Ferry (Sect. 153-4-B), Scarsdale (Sect. 141-3-A), Port Chester (Sect. 136-6), Tarrytown (Sect. 125-2-C), Ardsley (Sect. 90-9), Bronxville (Sect. 92-5), Mt. Vernon (Sect. 116-1), Harrison (Sect. 91-10-A), Irvington (Sect. 83-2-B), and Somers (Sect. 86-5) require that all dogs be on a leash when not on their owner’s property.
• “Pooper Scooper” Laws - New Rochelle (Sect. 89-5), Rye (Sect. 76-6), Mamaroneck (Sect. 156-9), Elmsford (Sect. 89-5-B), Dobbs Ferry (Sect. 153-4-C), Scarsdale (Sect. 141-3-C), Port Chester (Sect. 136-8.1), Tarrytown (Sect. 125-2-D), Ardsley (Sect. 90-10), Harrison (Sect. 91-10-I), and Irvington (Sect. 83-2-C) require owners to immediately remove any waste left by their dog when not on their own property.

Dog Parks & Dog Park Organizations

• Paws Place, an off-leash park in New Rochelle, allows dogs and their owners a chance to socialize and play.
• Dogs are welcome in most Rye, Mt. Kisco, and Westchester County parks provided they are on a leash and their owners immediately remove any waste. Croton-on-the-Hudson does not allow dogs in city parks at any time.

Humane Societies and Animal Shelters

• The Putnam Humane Society is a non-profit shelter serving Putnam County. In addition to adoptions, their site offers information on upcoming events like the annual Dog Wash fundraiser or the Strutt Your Mutt event. They also offer helpful information on pet care and training.
• The Elmsford Animal Shelter is “the largest no-kill animal shelter in the tri-state area.” Visit their website for adoption information.
• In addition to adoptions, the SPCA of Westchester offers low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and other medical care through its Simpson Spay and Neuter Clinic. They also offer lost-and-found services and various community outreach programs.
• The Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) is a no-kill shelter run entirely by volunteers. They also offer some spay and neuter assistance in addition to adoptions.
• Check out the Yonkers Animal Shelter for many adoptable dogs and cats.

Additional Dog Organizations and Ideas That We Support

• Kodi’s Club is a volunteer-run shelter that specializes in finding loving, permanent homes for dogs who need a little extra care and dogs from overcrowded local shelters.
• Animal-Link is a comprehensive website with loads of information on pet ownership in Westchester and Putnam Counties. Visit their website for a complete list of local dog parks and rescue shelters, animal health alerts, and pet services.
• Greyhound Rescue Rehab is a non-profit organization that helps place injured or retired racing greyhounds into loving, permanent homes.
• Animal Welfare Trust is a private foundation that seeks to improve the conditions of community animals and prevent abuse through funding and education.