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Working (Rental) Horse License

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Before you submit your application

  • 1
    Read or download the Working (Rental) Horse License Application packet for detailed guidance on the requirements and documentation needed to apply for this license. Forms are included in this packet.
    • 2
      Prior to approving a horse license application to allow a horse to work in New York City, each horse must have a complete and appropriately filled-out health certificate from an accredited, licensed veterinarian issued within 30 days of the submission of the application. The health certificate will include type and name of vaccines [serial number, if applicable] and tests administered, e.g., Coggins, etc.  The veterinarian must also provide his or her license number and signature on the original document. No photocopies will be accepted.
      • 3
        Read about the laws, regulations and operating requirements for horses working in New York City.
        • 4
          Sick, diseased, injured, or distressed horses may not be worked. In the event that an animal becomes sick or injured while working, the operator must seek immediate veterinary care for the animal. Owners must arrange for local, on-call veterinary emergency care.
          • 5
            Horse(s) must be under the direct control and supervision of a handler(s) at all times.
            • 6

              All outstanding fines imposed for Health Code Violations must be paid before you can apply for or renew a permit issued by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Fines may be paid in person at the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Citywide Licensing Center or Online.

                NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)

                Address
                Licensing Center


                42 Broadway, Lobby




                New York NY 10004
              • 7
                A valid e-mail address is required if applying online.
                • 8
                  The permit fee is $25.00.
                  • 9
                    List of accepted payment methods. More info
                    • Personal Check (made payable to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene - when applying in person)
                    • Certified Check (made payable to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene when applying in person)
                    • Government Check (made payable to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene when applying in person)
                    • Money Order (made payable to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene when applying in person)
                    • American Express (accepted when applying online or in person)
                    • Discover (accepted when applying online or in person)
                    • MasterCard (accepted when applying online or in person)
                    • Visa (accepted when applying online or in person)
                  • Ready to Apply?

                    Steps to apply online:

                  • 1
                    You may apply and pay for a license online. However, the horse’s original completed Health Certificate must be mailed or hand delivered to the DOHMH Office of Veterinary Public Health Services.  Photocopies will not be accepted.

                    For Hand Delivery:
                    NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
                    Office of Veterinary Public Health Services
                    22 Cortlandt Street, 34th Floor
                    New York, N.Y. 10007

                    By Mail:
                    NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
                    Office of Veterinary Public Health Services
                    125 Worth Street, Box CN66
                    New York, N.Y. 10013
                    • 2
                      Applicants will need to create an account with the NYC Online Licensing system. Partially completed applications may be saved and returned to later for completion. Payment is required to complete and submit the application so applicants should have their credit or debit card information readily available.
                      • 3
                        Select Horse License and enter the requested information into each field. Fields with an asterisk (*) are required. Applicants will be requested to upload copies of the documents identified in the Prerequisites section above.
                        • 4

                          Pay with a credit or debit card to complete the application.  

                          • 5
                            An inspection of your facility should be scheduled within 15 business days. If, after 15 days, your establishment has not been inspected, please contact the DOHMH Bureau of Veterinary Public Health Services at (646) 632-6604. Your business will not be issued a permit without passing a pre-permit inspection.
                            • Steps to apply in person:

                            • 1
                              You may apply and pay for a license at the DCWP Licensing Center. However, the horse's original completed Health Certificate must be mailed or hand delivered to the DOHMH Office of Veterinary Public Health Services.  Photocopies will not be accepted. 

                              For Hand Delivery: 
                              NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
                              Office of Veterinary Public Health Services
                              22 Cortlandt Street, 34th Floor
                              New York, N.Y. 10007 

                              By Mail: 
                              NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
                              Office of Veterinary Public Health Services
                              125 Worth Street, Box CN66 
                              New York, N.Y. 10013
                              • 2
                                Submit the completed application form and payment in person at the DCWP Citywide Licensing Center.

                                  NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)

                                  Address
                                  Licensing Center


                                  42 Broadway, Lobby




                                  New York NY 10004