Animal laws and pet rules

Local and state laws

Most animal laws are set at the state or local level. Each city, county, or state may have different regulations for pets like dogs and cats, as well as for wildlife and farm animals. It is important to find out the specific laws in your area.

Find more information about pet ownership laws in your state.

Buying or adopting a pet

Pets can be bought from stores or adopted from local shelters, which often have dogs and cats in need of homes. Adopting from a shelter gives animals a new home where they can be cared for.

Pets in rentals

Many apartment managers or landlords do not allow pets. If they do, there may be specific rules you must follow. They may charge a security deposit or extra rent for keeping pets. Before getting a pet of any kind, check with your landlord. Some landlords allow certain pets, like small dogs, cats, or caged animals. Others may not allow any pets at all. Violating these rules could result in a loss of your home.

If you are not allowed to keep pets where you live, consider volunteering for an animal shelter or starting a small business, like walking, training, or grooming pets.

Licensing and vaccinations

All dogs, and sometimes cats, must be licensed. This means providing proof of vaccinations and paying a fee. Licensing helps animal control identify your pet if it gets lost. Many places also require that pets be vaccinated for diseases like rabies to protect them and others.

Leash laws and pet control

Many communities have leash laws that require pets to be on a leash when outside. This helps prevent pets from wandering and bothering others. You must also supervise your animals to make sure they do not cause harm to the public. If your pet bites or attacks someone, you will be responsible for medical expenses and any damage caused. In rural areas, owners are also responsible if their animals cause accidents, such as when livestock or pets get out of their enclosures.

Pet health and safety

The law requires that pets have proper shelter from heat, cold, rain, and snow. Many communities also have rules that require pets to be kept healthy and free from diseases. In some places, pets must be neutered to prevent them from reproducing. Animal breeding is also restricted in many areas. Check with your local government before allowing your pets to have babies or selling them.

What to do if your pet is lost

If your pet goes missing, check your neighborhood, call animal control or the police, and monitor “found pet” websites. If Animal Control finds your pet, you will need your ID, license, and vaccine certificate to pick it up. There may also be a fee for retrieving your pet.

Pet expenses

Owning a pet comes with costs. Initial expenses can include neutering, vaccinations, and licensing. After that, the cost of feeding and caring for a pet is around $600 per year. You can find low-cost veterinary clinics or seasonal events that offer discounted services. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of medical care for your pet, including emergencies, illnesses, and routine care like vaccinations and dental cleaning.

Responsible pet ownership

Not everyone likes animals or wants them around. Some people are afraid of animals or allergic to them. Always let your guests know if you have pets before they visit. It is polite to put pets in another room when guests arrive, especially if the pets are uncomfortable around strangers.

Injuries and abuse

All states have laws against animal cruelty, which includes intentionally hurting an animal or neglecting their basic needs. It is illegal to leave an animal in a car during hot weather, and many areas have laws about how long pets can be tied up or chained outside.

If your pet is injured or causes harm, such as by attacking someone or getting hit by a car, you are responsible for their medical care and any damages they cause. Sometimes, if no one can pay for the care of an injured animal, the animal might be put down by the authorities.

Therapy, service, and assistance animals

Some people in the USA have animals to assist them, such as guide dogs for people who are blind or deaf, alert dogs for people with seizures or diabetes, or comfort pets for people with anxiety. If a doctor prescribes you a therapy or assistance animal, landlords may be required to allow the pet, but you must have official paperwork proving this.

Livestock and farm animals

Many different animals are raised on farms in the USA, including cows, sheep, goats, chickens, and pigs. While most farm animals are raised for food, some are kept for education or pleasure. In cities, it is usually illegal to keep large farm animals without a permit.

Hunting and fishing

Each state has different laws about hunting and fishing. You may need to apply for a license to hunt or fish legally in your state. Certain animals can only be hunted during specific seasons, and there are often designated areas where hunting and fishing are allowed. Always check your local laws and the locations where you are permitted to hunt or fish before you go.

Eating animals

Most people in the USA eat meat, but up to 10% of the population follows a vegetarian or vegan diet for religious, health, or environmental reasons. Some people may eat fish or poultry but avoid red meat, like beef or pork. While it is common to eat goat meat in some cultures, it is generally illegal in the USA to eat pets like horses, dogs, or cats.

Wild and exotic animals

Some states have laws banning people from keeping wild or exotic animals, such as wolves, lions, alligators, or venomous snakes, due to the danger they pose. In some places, you can own exotic animals if you get a special permit, but you must ensure they are kept in a safe and sanitary environment.

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