New York, NY – Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) announced that her bill to require pet dealers to provide consumers with instructions on the care of small animals became law today. The law, which takes effect in 90 days, would require pet dealers to provide consumers with comprehensive care information on small animals, including hamsters, chinchillas, guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits, mice, rats, ferrets and small amphibians and reptiles.

“Most people know that cats need food, water and a scratching post and that a dog need to be walked several times daily. The same cannot be said for small animal care,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “For instance, did you know that a leopard gecko’s tank should be no more than 20 gallons, because larger tanks would keep the gecko too far from the heat source? Or that a gecko should have a health lamp but not a heat rock, which could cause burns?”

The care of small animals is often much more complex than caring for more common pets, such as dogs or cats. Requiring pet dealers to provide consumers with instructions for the care of small animals at the time of purchase will ensure that consumers understand the responsibility that comes along with ownership. It will also reduce the number of devastated children who must deal with the preventable death of their beloved animal simply because of improper care.

“All animals require tons of love and affection, but care of smaller animals is much more nuanced, and many pet owners are not aware of the species-specific detail that their pet requires. This law helps ensure better care of the animals and hopefully will cause less frustration and confusion for the consumer,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal.