(a) No person shall bring or ship or cause to be brought or shipped into the State of New York any nonresident dog or cat without providing a health certificate. The health certificate may accompany the dog or cat or may be placed in the mail for delivery to the consignee prior to entry of the dog or cat into the State of New York.

(b) A common carrier accepting dogs or cats for delivery to a destination in the State of New York shall not be held responsible for violation of subdivision (a) of this section.

(c) A copy of the health certificate addressed to the Director, Division of Animal Industry, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Albany, NY 12235-0001 shall be placed in the mails prior to entry of the dog or cat into the State of New York.