Products intended or used to kill fleas, ticks, and other pests on pets are considered pesticides under the New York State Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) and their sale and use is regulated by DEC. Pesticides used on pets may include shampoos, dips, topical treatments, and collars.
Visit the National Pesticide Information Center website to find further information about using pesticides on pets, and pesticide poisoning in pets.
Any product that is considered a pesticide may only be sold or used in New York if it is registered by both the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DEC. There is one exception to this registration requirement; pesticides known as "minimum risk" are exempt from EPA and DEC registration. More information regarding minimum risk pesticides can be found below.
Federal and state laws specify that all pesticides MUST be used in accordance with the directions on the product's label. These directions may specify the use of personal protection equipment, use on the correct animal and correct size of animal, and how to dispose of any waste generated from the pesticide application. The use of a pesticide in violation of the label requirements could subject you or your business to an enforcement action by DEC.
How to Determine if a Product is a Pesticide and if it is Registered with the DEC
If a product claims to control pests on pets, it is a pesticide. All registered pesticides have an EPA registration number on the product label, which is abbreviated on the label as "EPA Reg. No". Using the EPA registration number and/or the product name, the user may verify the registration status of the product by using the NYS Pesticide Administration Database (NYSPAD). Doing so will help ensure your business is in compliance by using a DEC-registered pesticide.
Minimum risk pesticides are exempt from registration and will NOT have an EPA registration number. You will not be able to find these products in NYSPAD. It is the responsibility of the user to verify that the pesticide product they wish to use is compliant with EPA's minimum risk criteria, which can be found on the EPA webpage. If you are unsure whether a product meets EPA's minimum risk criteria, you may contact DEC's Pesticide Product Registration Section at 518-402-8768 or [email protected].
Pet Grooming Pesticide Applicator Certification & Business Registration
The application of pesticides, including minimum risk pesticides, as part of a pet grooming business is considered the commercial application of pesticides. Products applied commercially in New York require pesticide applicator certification issued by DEC. Currently, DEC is working to develop a program to address and clarify the certification requirements for pet groomers, including eligibility, prior experience, training, exams, etc. Visit the Pesticide Applicator/Technician Guidance webpage for more information on pesticide applicator certification.
In addition, certified pesticide applicators providing these services as part of a business are required to register their business with DEC. DEC is considering options for pet groomers to apply for a business registration. Visit the Business/Agency Pesticide Information webpage for more information.
If you have any questions regarding the use of pesticides by pet groomers, please contact the Pesticide Compliance staff at 518-402-8727 or by email [email protected]
Mobile Grooming Facilities
The direct discharge of the wastewater generated from pet grooming mobile units or stationary facilities to the ground (i.e. grass, asphalt) or surface waters is not allowed. The groomer must contact the local publically owned treatment works (POTWs) or local Department of Health to determine their requirements for wastewater discharge.
