Raleigh dog laws are important for all residents to know. Luckily for locals, the laws that are in place are pretty balanced and to the benefit of both the dog and the dog owner. Some seem obvious, but others aren’t because they have some specifics involved. For example, did you know that there is a tethering law that hinges around a set maximum number of hours dogs can be tied out?
We think it’s a good idea to be familiar with these not just for ourselves, but for others. After all, the animals are protected by these, too. So even if our personal dogs are spoiled-rotten couch potatoes without a care in the world (spoiled as they should be 🤷♀️💜), we’re really doing our due diligence to just be aware. Let’s take a look!
Many of Raleigh’s pet laws actually pertain to both dogs and cats. This is not a comprehensive list. For additional laws, see the City of Raleigh’s website. Note that Wake County doesn’t have jurisdiction for enforcing animal control laws in Raleigh, Cary, Garner, or Holly Springs. Each of these municipalities has its own ordinance.
A dog may not be tethered or otherwise restrained while unattended for more than 3 hours in a 24 hour period. This prevents accidental strangling and works to prevent them from being left out in harsh weather conditions. Anything used to tether a dog temporarily must be at least 10 feet long.
It’s against the law for either dogs (or cats!) to be allowed to run loose off of their owner’s property except in designated areas like dog parks. Did you know that you can be given a misdemeanor citation for this?
Dogs and cats must be provided with adequate shelter. This means that at a bare minimum, they must have some sort of “house” that is enclosed on at least three sides, has a roof, has a floor, good ventilation, and plenty of room to lie down in comfort. This means that if a dog lives loose in a backyard without housing provided, even if the owner thinks that it has shade and protection under a deck or carport, the owner is breaking the law.
As a side note here, we have witnessed the heartbreaking results of pets being left out in heat or extreme cold. We recommend that you bring them inside.
Yep. Raleigh dog laws include a “pooper scooper” law. If you leave dog poop on private property of anyone who hasn’t given you permission to leave the poop, you’re breaking the law. This law exists primarily for health reasons. No one wants poop affecting water supply or the spreading of intestinal parasites, but it’s also just good manners.
No. And we’re proud of our city for this. A few cities around the country have banned certain breeds from living within the city limits despite controversy and upset in their communities over it. Pitbull-type dogs are one example, and we can vouch for what great dogs they are as a whole. It’s hard to think of a breed of dog we haven’t treated as patients, and we’re glad to have them all!
No. They used to be, but this ordinance was lifted in 2012.
At Falls Village Veterinary Hospital, a Raleigh, NC veterinarian, dogs, cats & their families deserve the best. In fact, we specialize in delivering warm, compassionate care that reminds our clients and patients how unique and important they truly are. We provide complete veterinary care including dentistry, laser therapy, surgery, and more. Call us today!
