📷 by Jeffrey F Lin
The essentials
- State regulations vary — Each state has different laws and regulations regarding restricted breeds, especially pit bull types.
- Most states have liability laws — However, many states don’t have state-wide laws regarding dog bites.
- Some local governments have pet limitations — Some places have ordinances restricting the number of companion animals in a home.
Being a pet parent of a dog, cat, bird, or any other pet is an enormous responsibility. In addition to acting as a caretaker and providing a happy life for your pet, you must be aware of the numerous local, state, and federal laws surrounding pet ownership in the United States.
Between leash laws, dog bite laws, breed-specific legislation, and more, learning about pet ownership laws can be super overwhelming. So, we’ve gathered all the information you’ll need to educate yourself on the important pet laws in your city or state.
What rights do animals have?
According to most federal and state laws in the U.S. legal system, animals like pets and livestock are considered property, with little to no legal rights. U.S. animal protection laws vary from state to state.
However, some federal mandates, like the 1966 Animal Welfare Act, were implemented nationwide to combat animal cruelty and neglect. This mandate also sets standards regarding the care, treatment, and transport of animals.
Numerous state and federal dog laws have been enacted since then, but the ongoing status of dogs, cats, and other animals as “property” remains among the largest hurdles to ensuring equal treatment of pet owners and animal caretakers nationwide.
Even if a state protects an animal in writing, enforcing animal cruelty laws can get tricky since it usually depends on the county level.
Pet ownership laws
Some states may limit how many animals you can legally own, although this is more common on the local level. Even if your county doesn’t restrict the number of pets, you should always make sure you can provide adequate care before adopting an animal.
If you’re a renter, you’ll also need to check with your landlord to see if your prospective pet is allowed and if there will be any deposits/fees.
Pet licensing laws
In an attempt to promote spaying/neutering, some cities may require you to register any unaltered dogs and pay an annual licensing fee unless you decide to get them “fixed.”
Buying a pet from a retail store
While most states regulate breeding practices, some states have now outlawed selling live animals in pet stores.
Federal laws on pet ownership
Despite the numerous local and state laws surrounding pet ownership, there are surprisingly few animal protection laws in the United States at the federal level. Some statutes seek solely to govern the treatment of wildlife, and others concern the ownership of farm animals like livestock. Certain regulations, however, have been implemented specifically for the protection of dogs, cats, birds, and other household pets. Other regulations cover issues like:
- Dog registration and licenses
- Proof of vaccinations
- Adoption laws
- Questions of liability following injuries or accidents.
The 1966 Animal Welfare Act remains the primary federal animal protection law in the United States, however, several other regulations have been enacted in the following decades to help better address issues of legality surrounding pet ownership.
Animal Welfare Act (1966). This landmark piece of legislation established a minimum set of standards for the handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals including dogs, cats, and other pets. It also established guidelines for the breeding and sale of puppies, and restricted practices deemed as cruelty, such as dogfighting and cockfighting.
Endangered Species Act (1973). This law authorized the listing of certain species as endangered and subsequently prohibited their capture, transport, and sale.
Pets Evacuation and Transport Standards Act (2006). Following Hurricane Katrina, this law amended the prior Disaster Relief and Emergency Act to implement preparedness plans and address the needs of individuals with pets and/or service animals following major disasters or emergencies. Specifically, it allowed FEMA to provide rescue, care, and shelter for pets or service animals following a disaster.
Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act (2007). Passed amidst the infamous Michael Vick dogfighting scandal, this law amends the Animal Welfare Act, enforcing stricter punishments for offenders participating in animal fighting. Local municipalities may also have their own laws prohibiting dog fighting with additional consequences beyond the federal legislation.
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (2007 amendment). Thus statute amends the original FDCA law passed in 1938 to introduce regulatory safety standards involving the production, processing, and labeling of pet food nationwide.
Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act (2010). This law sought to address the disturbing trend of animal cruelty videos being spread across the internet — specifically content showing the intentional torture or killing of animals.
Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (2019). Amending the above 2010 act, this regulation sought to impose harsher penalties on the crimes depicted by those producing and sharing animal cruelty videos.
👉 In 2020, England passed Lucy’s Law which makes puppy farms illegal. However, no federal legislation makes them illegal in the United States.
Do you know the pet ownership laws in your state?
While federal animal protection laws provide broad regulations, many states and local governments have their own sets of laws. State laws surrounding animal protection vary across the country, with many factors such as history, geography, and politics coming into play.
Besides broad pet ownership laws protecting against animal cruelty, many states also have laws governing dog ownership in specific situations. Among these statutes are leash laws, tether laws, dog bite laws, breed-specific legislation, and more. Naturally, some parts of the country have stricter animal protection laws than others. Staying informed on animal laws no matter where you live is an important part of responsible pet ownership.
Learn where your state sits on the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s annual U.S. State Animal Protection Laws rankings, and read on for detailed state-by-state breakdowns.
👉While many local governments ban certain breeds, no breed bans currently exist at the state level. In fact, 21 states forbid governments from enacting legislation banning specific breeds, saying only “dangerous dogs” can be prohibited — regardless of the breed.
Pet laws in the 50 states and D.C.
D.C.
Leash laws: Yes
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: D.C. dog tether laws prohibit “cruelty” chains, including tethers that cause a dog to choke and ones that do not allow them to access food/water or to escape harm.
Liability laws for dog bites: None
Breed-specific laws: None
Alabama
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: Alabama’s dog bite laws state that owners of “vicious or dangerous” animals are liable for any bites or injuries caused to others. Additionally, the owner or caretaker may be held liable for dog bites occurring anywhere the victim has a legal right to be at that time.
Breed-specific laws: None
Alaska
Leash laws: None
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: Any mad or aggressive dog who bites a human or other animal may be killed, including dangerous animals running at large
Breed-specific laws: None
Arizona
Leash laws: Arizona’s leash laws give local counties, cities, and towns the ability to pass legislation for the control and restraint of dogs in public. Statewide, dogs aren’t allowed off-leash in public parks or on public school property unless properly restrained or enclosed in a car or crate.
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Under Arizona law, leaving a dog unattended in a car is considered animal cruelty. Any person who uses reasonable force to remove a confined animal from a car shall not be held liable for damages, so long as they were acting in good faith out of concern for the animal’s welfare.
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: Arizona dog bite laws state that injury to any person or damage to any property by an unconstrained dog will be the full responsibility of the dog owner, even if the incident occurred on the owner’s private property.
Breed-specific laws: Arizona law prohibits legislation specific to breeds to be passed on the city, town, or local level.
Arkansas
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: None
Breed-specific laws: None
California
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: California law criminalizes the act of leaving an animal confined in a car unattended. A 2016 amendment provides liability protection to persons acting in the best interests of an animal to rescue it from a vehicle.
Tether laws: California’s tether laws prohibit the tethering, chaining, or tying up of any dog to a tree, fence, or other stationary object. An exception includes the temporary tethering for a reasonable period of time in order to complete short tasks.
Liability laws for dog bites: California’s dog bite laws state that injury to any person or damage to any property by an unconstrained dog will be the full responsibility of the dog owner, even if the incident occurred on the owner’s private property.
Breed-specific laws: California law prohibits legislation specific to breeds on the city, town, or local level.
Colorado
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Colorado law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles without liability, so long as there was reasonable belief that the animal was in danger.
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: Colorado dog bite laws hold owners liable only if the victim suffers serious bodily harm or death from a dog bite. The law applies to public and private property.
Breed-specific laws: Colorado law prohibits legislation specific to breeds on the city, town, or local level.
Connecticut
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Connecticut law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles without liability, so long as there was reasonable belief that the animal was in danger.
Tether laws: Connecticut dog tether laws require specific standards for tethering dogs. For instance, tethers shorter than eight feet, tethers with weights, tethers that don’t prevent tangling, and choke or prong collars on tethered dogs are prohibited. Dogs are also prohibited from being tethered outside in extreme weather conditions.
Liability laws for dog bites: Connecticut dog bite laws hold owners liable for dog bites, unless the victim was trespassing or teasing or tormenting the dog.
Breed-specific laws: Connecticut law prohibits legislation specific to breeds on the city, town, or local level.
Delaware
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Delaware law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles without liability, so long as there was reasonable belief that the animal was in danger, and a reasonable attempt was made to contact the car owner. However, only first responders have the right to break into the vehicle.
Tether laws: Delaware dog tether laws require specific standards for tethering dogs. For instance, tethers shorter than ten feet, tethers that don’t prevent tangling, and choke or prong collars on tethered dogs are prohibited. Dogs are also prohibited from being tethered outside in extreme weather conditions, and dogs may not be left tethered unattended for longer than two hours.
Liability laws for dog bites: Delaware dog bite laws hold owners liable for dog bites, unless the victim was trespassing or teasing or tormenting the dog.
Breed-specific laws: Delaware law prohibits legislation specific to breeds on the city, town, or local level.
Florida
Leash laws: None
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Florida law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles without liability, so long as there was reasonable belief that the animal was in danger and the rescuer calls a first responder.
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: Florida dog bite laws state that owners will be held liable for dog bites, but negligence on the part of the victim may reduce liability for the dog owner. Owners are also not liable if there’s a “bad dog” sign prominently displayed on their property.
Breed-specific laws: Florida law prohibits legislation specific to breeds on the city, town, or local level.
Georgia
Leash laws: None
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: Georgia dog bite law holds any owner of a “vicious or dangerous animal” of any kind liable for a bite or injury, as long as the victim didn’t provoke the bite on their own. Additionally, the Responsible Dog Ownership Law demands the registration of dangerous dogs and requires the owner to carry at least $50,000 in liability insurance.
Breed-specific laws: None
Hawaii
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: Hawaii dog tether laws state that the tethering of a dog by means of a choke, prong, or pinch collar is prohibited and will be considered animal cruelty.
Liability laws for dog bites: Hawaii dog bite laws hold owners liable for dog bites, unless the victim was trespassing, teasing, or tormenting the dog.
Breed-specific laws: None
Idaho
Leash laws: None
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: None
Breed-specific laws: None
Illinois
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Illinois law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles , but only by an animal control officer or law enforcement officer, and so long as there was a reasonable belief that the animal was in danger.
Tether laws: Illinois dog tether laws require specific standards for tethering dogs. For instance, tethers shorter than ten feet, tethers that don’t prevent tangling, and choke or prong collars on tethered dogs are prohibited.
Liability laws for dog bites: Illinois dog bite laws hold owners liable for unprovoked dog bites where the victim was conducting him or herself “peacefully and lawfully.”
Breed-specific laws: Illinois law states that a dog cannot be labeled as “vicious” because of their breed.
Indiana
Leash laws: None
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Indiana law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles provided certain conditions are met, such as attempts to contact law enforcement, and use of no more than necessary force. Anyone not meeting the conditions may be held liable for up to one-half of the fees for vehicle damages.
Tether laws: Indiana dog tether laws require specific standards for tethering dogs. For instance, tethers shorter than three times the dog’s length, tethers that choke the dog, and tethers too heavy to allow the dog to move are prohibited.
Liability laws for dog bites: Indiana dog bite laws hold owners liable for unprovoked dog bites where the victim was conducting him or herself peacefully and in a lawful location.
Breed-specific laws: None
Iowa
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: Varies
Liability laws for dog bites: Iowa dog bite laws hold owners liable for unprovoked dog bites, except when the victim was committing an unlawful act.
Breed-specific laws: None
Kansas
Leash laws: None
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Kansas law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles provided certain conditions are met, such as attempts to contact law enforcement, and use of no more than necessary force.
Tether law: None
Liability laws for dog bites: None
Breed-specific laws: None
Kentucky
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: Kentucky dog bite laws state that any owner whose dog causes damage to a person, property, or livestock shall be held liable for the damage.
Breed-specific laws: None
Louisiana
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Louisiana law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles provided certain conditions are met, such as attempts to contact the car owner and remaining with the animal in a safe location until first responders arrive.
Tether laws: Louisiana dog tether laws declare it unlawful to tether or restrain any animal in a way that is inhumane, cruel, or detrimental to its welfare.
Liability laws for dog bites: Louisiana dog bite laws state the owners shall be held liable for any unprovoked dog bites that the owner could have prevented.
Breed-specific laws: None
Maine
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Maine law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles, but only by an animal control officer, law officer, firefighter, or another authorized person.
Tether laws: Maine dog tether laws declare it unlawful to tether or restrain any animal in a way that is inhumane, cruel, or detrimental to their welfare. Tethers must meet certain conditions to provide proper shelter and humanely clean conditions.
Liability laws for dog bites: Maine dog bite laws state the owners shall be held liable for any unprovoked dog bites that did not occur on the owner or keeper’s private property.
Breed-specific laws: Maine law prohibits legislation specific to breeds on the city, town, or local level.
Maryland
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Maryland law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles, but only by an animal control officer, law officer, firefighter, or other authorized person, and only if certain conditions are met.
Tether laws: Maryland dog tether laws prohibit tethering dogs in ways that restrict movement, and also outlines conditions for providing sanitary conditions and shelter to tethered dogs.
Liability laws for dog bites: Maryland dog bite laws hold owners liable for dog bites, unless the victim was trespassing, teasing, or tormenting the dog.
Breed-specific laws: None
Massachusetts
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Massachusetts law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles without liability by an animal control officer, law officer, firefighter, or other authorized person. Any other person may remove the animal if certain conditions are met, such as reaching out to the authorities first.
Tether laws: Massachusetts dog tether laws require conditions for tethered dogs to be treated humanely.
Liability laws for dog bites: Massachusetts dog bite laws hold owners liable for dog bites, unless the victim was trespassing or teasing or tormenting the dog.
Breed-specific laws: Massachusetts law states that no dog may be labeled “a dangerous dog” solely on the basis of breed.
Michigan
Leash laws: Michigan law states that it’s unlawful for any dog to stray from their owner unless properly restrained by a leash.
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: Michigan dog tether laws state that any tether must be at least three times the length of the dog and must include a harness or non-choke collar.
Liability laws for dog bites: Michigan dog bite laws hold owners liable for dog bites, unless the victim was trespassing or teasing or tormenting the dog.
Breed-specific laws: None
Minnesota
Leash laws: No*
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Minnesota law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles, but only by a peace officer, humane agent, or other authorized person, and only if certain conditions are met.
Tether laws: Tethering is only allowed under certain conditions
Liability laws for dog bites: Minnesota dog bite laws hold owners liable for unprovoked dog bites where the victim was conducting him or herself peaceably and in a lawful location.
Breed-specific laws: Minnesota law states that a dog cannot be labeled as “vicious” because of their breed.
Mississippi
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: None
Breed-specific laws: None
Missouri
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: Missouri dog bite laws hold owners liable for dog bites, unless the victim was trespassing, teasing, or tormenting the dog.
Breed-specific laws: None
Montana
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: Montana dog bite laws hold owners liable for dog bites, unless the victim was trespassing, teasing, or tormenting the dog, and as long as the incident occurred in an incorporated city or town.
Breed-specific laws: None
Nebraska
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: Nebraska dog bite laws hold owners liable for dog bites, unless the victim was trespassing. These laws don’t apply to military or police working dogs.
Breed-specific laws: None
Nevada
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Nevada law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles, but only by a peace officer, animal control officer, or other authorized person, and only if certain conditions are met.
Tether laws: Nevada dog tether laws prohibit the tethering of any dog for longer than 10 hours in a 24-hour period, and require conditions for tethered dogs to be treated humanely.
Liability laws for dog bites: None
Breed-specific laws: Nevada law states that a dog cannot be labeled as “vicious” because of their breed.
New Hampshire
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: New Hampshire law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles, but only by a law enforcement or humane agent. Leaving a dog in a car in harmful conditions also warrants animal cruelty in New Hampshire.
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: New Hampshire dog bite laws hold owners liable for dog bites, unless the victim was trespassing.
Breed-specific laws: None
New Jersey
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: New Jersey laws state that leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle in inhumane conditions constitutes cruelty. However, no one — not even law enforcement — is legally permitted to rescue the animal.
Tether laws: New Jersey dog tether laws require specific standards for tethering dogs, and prohibit tethers shorter than 15 feet, choke collars, tethering dogs younger than four months old, and more.
Liability laws for dog bites: New Jersey dog bite laws state that injury to any person or damage to any property by an unconstrained dog will be the full responsibility of the dog owner, even if the incident occurred on the owner’s private property—as long as the bite victim wasn’t trespassing.
Breed-specific laws: New Jersey law prohibits legislation specific to breed on the city, town, or local level.
New Mexico
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: None
Breed-specific laws: None
New York
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: New York law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles without liability by a humane officer, law officer, other authorized person, if certain conditions are met.
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: None
Breed-specific laws: New York law prohibits legislation specific to breed on the city, town, or local level.
North Carolina
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: North Carolina law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles, but only by an animal control officer, law officer, or other authorized person, and only if certain conditions are met.
Tether laws: North Carolina dog tether laws declare it unlawful to tether or restrain any animal in a malicious manner.
Liability laws for dog bites: North Carolina dog bite laws hold owners responsible for any damage caused by an unaccompanied dog running at large. North Carolina is a One-Bite state, meaning that a dog is considered dangerous after biting one person. If a dog bites someone, they must enter into a 10-day quarantine regardless of rabies vaccination status.
Breed-specific laws: None
North Dakota
Leash laws: None
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: North Dakota law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles, but only by a law enforcement officer, and only if certain conditions are met.
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: None
Breed-specific laws: None
Ohio
Leash laws: Dogs must be on a leash not exceeding 6 feet.
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Ohio law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles without liability, so long as there was reasonable belief that the animal was in danger.
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: Ohio dog bite laws hold owners liable for dog bites unless the victim was trespassing, teasing, or tormenting the dog or committing a criminal offense.
Breed-specific laws: None
Oklahoma
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: Oklahoma dog bite laws hold owners liable for unprovoked dog bites where the victim was in a place where they had a lawful right to be.
Breed-specific laws: Oklahoma law prohibits legislation specific to breed on the city, town, or local level.
Oregon
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Oregon law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles provided certain conditions are met, such as attempts to contact law enforcement, and use of no more than necessary force.
Tether laws: Oregon dog tether laws prohibit the tethering of any dog for longer than 10 hours in a 24-hour period and require conditions for tethered dogs to be treated humanely.
Liability laws for dog bites: Oregon dog bite laws hold owners liable for injuries caused by unprovoked dog bites.
Breed-specific laws: None
Pennsylvania
Leash laws: Pennsylvania leash laws state that dogs must be kept firmly secured by means of a collar or chain, or under the reasonable control of the owner while hunting or field training.
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Pennsylvania law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles, but only by an animal control officer, law officer, or other authorized person, and only if certain conditions are met.
Tether laws: Pennsylvania dog tether laws prohibit the tethering of any dog for longer than 9 hours in a 24-hour period and require conditions for tethered dogs to be treated humanely.
Liability laws for dog bites: Pennsylvania dog bite laws hold owners fully responsible for damages caused by dog bites. These laws don’t apply to military or police working dogs. Furthermore, any dog who bites a human must go into quarantine for 10 days.
Breed-specific laws: Pennsylvania law prohibits any legislation that is specific to breeds to be passed on the city, town, or local level.
Rhode Island
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Rhode Island law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles, but only by an animal control officer, law officer, or other authorized person, and only if certain conditions are met.
Tether laws: Rhode Island dog tether laws prohibit the tethering of any dog for longer than 10 hours in a 24-hour period and require conditions for tethered dogs to be treated humanely.
Liability laws for dog bites: Rhode Island dog bite laws hold owners fully responsible for damages caused by dog bites.
Breed-specific laws: Rhode Island law prohibits any legislation that is specific to breeds to be passed on the city, town, or local level.
South Carolina
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: South Carolina dog bite laws state that unprovoked dog bites will be the full responsibility of the dog owner, even if the incident occurred on the owner’s private property.
Breed-specific laws: South Carolina law states a dog cannot be labeled as “vicious” because of their breed.
South Dakota
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: South Dakota law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles, but only by a peace officer, humane agent, or other authorized person, and only if certain conditions are met.
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: South Dakota is a One-Bite state. Owners may not be liable if the incident happens only once, with no prior indication that the dog was dangerous.
Breed-specific laws: No local government may enact, maintain, or enforce any ordinance, policy, resolution, or another enactment that is specific to the breed of a dog.
Tennessee
Leash laws: Tennessee leash laws state that owners have a responsibility to keep dogs under reasonable control at all times.
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Tennessee law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles without liability, so long as there was reasonable belief that the animal was in danger.
Tether laws: Tennessee dog tether laws prohibit the tethering of any dog in a manner that results in injury to the dog.
Liability laws for dog bites: Tennessee dog bite laws hold owners liable for unprovoked dog bites where the victim was in a place where they had a lawful right to be.
Breed-specific laws: None
Texas
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: Texas dog tether laws prohibit the tethering of any dog in extreme weather, tethering dogs overnight, and require conditions for tethered dogs to be treated humanely.
Liability laws for dog bites: None
Breed-specific laws: Texas law prohibits legislation specific to breed on the city, town, or local level.
Utah
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: Utah dog bite laws hold owners fully responsible for damages caused by dog bites unless the dog bite victim was trespassing or the dog was reasonably detained behind a private fence when the incident occurred. These laws don’t apply to police working dogs.
Breed-specific laws: Utah law prohibits legislation specific to breed on the city, town, or local level.
Vermont
Leash laws: None
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Vermont law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles without liability by a humane officer or rescue workers.
Tether laws: Vermont dog tether laws declare it unlawful to tether or restrain any animal in a way that’s inhumane, cruel, or detrimental to its welfare.
Liability laws for dog bites: None
Breed-specific laws: None
Virginia
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Virginia law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles, but only by an animal control officer, law officer, or other authorized person, and only if certain conditions are met.
Tether laws: Virginia dog tether laws forbid leaving a dog tethered outside in extreme temperatures and prohibit tethers shorter than 15 feet or tethers with weighted attachments.
Liability laws for dog bites: None
Breed-specific laws: Virginia law states that a dog cannot be labeled as “vicious” because of their breed.
Washington
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Washington law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles, but only by an animal control officer, law officer, or other authorized person, and only if certain conditions are met.
Tether laws: Washington dog tether laws require certain conditions to be met to provide tethered dogs with proper shelter and humanely clean conditions.
Liability laws for dog bites: Washington dog bite laws hold owners fully responsible for damages caused by dog bites, regardless if the owners knew the dog was dangerous or not. The only exception is if the dog bite victim was trespassing. These laws don’t apply to police working dogs.
Breed-specific laws: None
West Virginia
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: West Virginia laws state that leaving an animal unattended and confined in a vehicle constitutes cruelty. However, no one is legally allowed to rescue them.
Tether laws: West Virginia dog tether laws deem it unlawful to intentionally, recklessly, or cruelly chain or tether an animal.
Liability laws for dog bites: West Virginia dog bite laws hold owners responsible for any damage caused by an unaccompanied dog running at large.
Breed-specific laws: None
Wisconsin
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: Wisconsin law allows for the rescue of animals from locked vehicles without liability, so long as there is a reasonable belief that the animal was in danger.
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: Wisconsin dog bite laws hold owners fully responsible for damages caused by dog bites. These laws don’t apply to police working dogs.
Breed-specific laws: None
Wyoming
Leash laws: None *
Laws to protect animals left in parked vehicles: None
Tether laws: None
Liability laws for dog bites: None
Breed-specific laws: None
*While statewide leash laws are somewhat uncommon in the U.S., many of these states have laws prohibiting dogs “running at large” or roaming freely while unaccompanied by an owner or caretaker. Additionally, leash laws are often applied at the country, city, or local level, rather than statewide.
Local ordinances about pet ownership
While federal and state laws provide broad regulations surrounding pet ownership, local ordinances, and municipal laws set specific standards for cities, towns, and other localities. For instance, some cities may allow an unlimited amount of dogs to be owned, while others might impose a maximum limit.
Other ordinances regulate the ownership of exotic pets in some places. Local ordinances may vary greatly by area, so dog owners like yourself need to research and learn about pet ownership laws in your county, city, or town.
- Leash and “running at large” laws. Statewide leash laws are uncommon, but most municipalities have some form of local law prohibiting dogs from running or roaming freely while not under control.
- Number of companion animals owned. A common local ordinance is one imposing a limit on the number of pets allowed in a household. Some areas may limit pets to just two, while others may allow for more. Certain areas may also require a permit to keep a certain number of pets.
- Dangerous dog provisions. While many states have outlawed breed-specific legislation, it still exists on local levels in some places. Depending on the locale, dogs may be deemed “dangerous” solely based on breed, or due to a history of biting or violence.
- Animal waste provisions. Removal of pet waste is a common dispute among dog owners, and many locales have instituted provisions enforcing proper dog waste removal.
- Animal noise provisions. Excessive dog barking can be a nuisance to neighbors, so many locales have municipal ordinances in place to help address and curb excessive noise.
- Vaccinations. Many local governments require dogs and cats to have up-to-date vaccinations, particularly against rabies. In some cases, dogs without rabies vaccines who are involved in bite incidents may be quarantined by animal control offices or a shelter for up to two weeks.
Exotic pets, farm animals, and livestock
Most laws governing undomesticated animals are left to the local level. Here are a few things to consider when researching the laws in your area for these types of animals.
Exotic pets
While it might seem obvious that some animals you see in a zoo don’t belong in a house, it’s surprising how the lines are blurred. For example, a Savannah cat is a hybrid between a domestic cat and a wild serval. This beautiful exotic breed is banned in several states. In places where they are allowed, you might be required to register them and may have to follow certain rules that don’t apply to your typical tabby.
Farm animals
Your county or even neighborhood association may prohibit certain types of farm animals — especially if you live in an urban area. Always check with your local county government (and your HOA/landlord if you have one) before you build a chicken coop or bring home live turkeys.
Livestock
If your county commissioner isn’t happy with a rooster crowing in the morning, they’ll have a cow if you bring home a calf or donkey. Some counties or neighborhoods don’t allow you to keep livestock on the premises or have acreage requirements if they do.
The bottom line on pet ownership laws
Owning a pet is a huge responsibility, and complying with federal, state, and local dog laws is an important part of any pet owner’s life. Pet ownership laws exist for the overall safety and well-being of pets and pet owners alike, and the world is a better place for all when these laws are followed.
Failure to adhere to pet ownership laws could result in fines and legal penalties, as well as injury to your furry friend, yourself, or others. It’s our job to be the best pet parents we can be, and staying on top of important pet ownership rules is a great first step.
Frequently asked questions
What do you do if someone won’t give your pet back?
Pet owners can either negotiate with the person or persons in possession of the pet to facilitate their return, or turn to the legal system. Pet owners can file with the court to determine legal ownership of pets. With the second choice, a judge can rule in favor of the person or persons who file or whoever has possession of the pet. Microchipping your pet and establishing their medical record with your name early may help you prove ownership later on if you ever find yourself in a dispute.
Is owning a pet a privilege or a right?
Owning a pet is a privilege. While it yields numerous rewards, pet owners are responsible for the health, contentment, and care of the pet or pets in their home.
What are the 5 rights of animals?
According to shelter vets, the 5 freedoms of animals are the right to freedom from hunger and thirst, discomfort, fear and distress, and pain, injury, and disease. They also have the right to express normal behavior. Most state governments protect these rights in writing, but enforcing them can be a trickier issue since it often comes down to the local county level.
Who gets the pets after a breakup?
In the event of a non-marital breakup, ownership goes to whoever purchased the pet and can prove ownership. With the dissolution of a marriage, this might be settled by attorneys and a divorce settlement.
