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Pets

Pets are wonderful companions and can be good protection. In return, New Hampshire law requires that we protect our pets in several basic ways (RSA 436 & RSA 437).

• Animal shelters and pet stores cannot give away or sell any cat or dog before it reaches eight weeks old. Animals must have a veterinarian's health certificate within 14 days of transfer of ownership (whether by purchase or adoption). If the animal is found to be diseased, the purchaser/adopter may return it within two business days for a full refund or for another animal.
• Chicks, ducklings, goslings, and rabbits must be at least four weeks old before being sold or offered for adoption. New Hampshire law also prohibits these animals from being artificially colored.
• Dogs, cats and ferrets three months or older must be vaccinated against rabies. The veterinarian will issue a certificate of rabies vaccination and a tag (dogs are required to wear the tag).