Every pet owner carries the responsibility of keeping their pet happy and healthy – but dog ownership laws make looking after the welfare of your pooch mandatory.
The Animal Welfare Act 1966 is the main federal law that sets out the standard of care for certain animals, including dogs, bred for commercial sale. It covers everything from housing and handling to sanitation and veterinary care.
However, from dog ownership point of view, laws in the US can seem like a bit of a minefield. That's because most animal protection laws are enforced at state level, meaning they vary widely.
For example, there is no federal law requiring fur friends to wear a leash in a public space. Instead, leash laws are set out by individual states and municipalities. The same goes for microchipping – although there are plenty of good reasons to get your dog microchipped.
That said, to help you stay on top of the main dog ownership laws in the US that will help keep you and your four-legged companions safe, we’ve compiled a list of information, ranging from licensing to welfare.
Dog ownership laws in the US
Welfare
Signed into law on August 24, 1966, the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is the main federal law in the US that regulates the treatment of animals (including dogs) in research, teaching, testing, exhibition and by dealers.
Covering housing and handling to sanitation and veterinary care, the AWA essentially sets out the minimum standard of care that must be provided for our friends in the animal kingdom.
For example, the AWA states that wholesale pet breeders and dealers must be licensed with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA keeps a list of those licensed under the AWA here.
Another law that that puts the welfare of animals (and dogs) first, is the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (2019), often referred to as PACT. This act is an amendment to the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act (2010) law, which bans the creation and sharing of animal cruelty videos.
Dog fighting
Dogfighting is a felony offense in all 50 US states and it’s a felony offense under federal law, too.
This comes after George W. Bush signed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act (2007), following the Michael Vick dogfighting scandal, which enforced heftier punishments for those participating in animal fighting.
Leash laws
The best dog leashes can help keep your pooch safe, under control and out of harm’s way. But, while most states have leash laws when it comes to being in public places with your dog – there is no blanket leash law in the US.
Instead, leash laws can differ in each state, city and municipality. For example, Michigan and Pennsylvania state that a pooch must be under the control of his or her owner when in a public setting. While if you are a dog owner in New York City, dogs need to be on a leash no more than six feet long.
In Washington, all pets must be kept under physical control, on a leash no greater than eight feet in length, at all times while in a state park area.
So as you can see, each state's leash law varies. But generally speaking, most leash regulations fall into six categories. This includes:
- Leash required at all times
- Running at large
- Leashes in parks, state grounds, or wildlife areas
- Restraint for rabies quarantine
- Leashing or confining female dogs in heat
- Leashing at night
To find out the most up-to-date leash laws in your state, head to your local government’s website.
Microchipping
Despite being a legal requirement in the UK for all dogs over the age of eight weeks old, microchipping in the US is not mandatory.
Instead, microchipping is defined by each state.
According to the Animal Legal & Historical Center, in 2021, Hawaii became the first state to make an official order that owners have to microchip their pets.
While other cities, like California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey and Texas require microchips as part of their 'codes of ordinances'.
Just know, microchipping requirements differ if you are planning on importing a dog into the US.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's dog importation regulation, as of August 1, 2024, all dogs entering the United States must:
- Appear healthy upon arrival
- Be at least six months of age
- Be microchipped
- Be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt
Therefore, before traveling to the US with a dog or taking an internal flight with your pooch, it's worth double-checking the necessary requirements via the local government's website.
Licensing and vaccinations
Most states require dogs to be licensed within 30 days after bringing them home. However, just like microchipping, regulations vary by state. If you're unsure, it's worth reaching out to your vet to find out all the rules and regulations in your state, city and municipality.
The same goes for puppy vaccinations. According to the Animal Legal & Historical Centre, most states require rabies shots for pets, typically before reaching either three to six months old in a bid to “protect the health and safety of communities within the state”.
While the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends all dogs receive their ‘core’ vaccines unless there’s a medical need not to vaccinate.
Just know, if you are traveling to the US with your fur friend, the CDC has imposed new rulings on dogs entering the US – as the CDC recommends all dogs must be vaccinated against rabies.
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