California Dog Laws 2023: Rabies, Dog Bites, Dog Cruelty, and Dog Chains

If you are a dog owner in California or are thinking about adopting a furry friend soon, it is a good idea to be aware of the dog laws prevalent in the state. From vaccination requirements to dog bite liabilities, cruelty, and the use of dog chains, we have noted down everything you need to know as a dog owner in California. Take a look below.

Vaccination Requirements For Dogs In California
Dog owners in California are required to keep puppies under four months of age under constant supervision, preferably at home. Once they reach the age of four months, all dogs need to get a rabies vaccination. In fact, you can only enter California from another state with your dog aged over four months if you have a current rabies vaccination certificate.

Your dog should receive their second rabies vaccine a year after their first dose to maintain safety. In addition, you are also required to follow the three-year booster schedule as a precautionary measure. All vaccinations should be done only by licensed veterinary doctors.

Responsibility For Dog Bites In California
In California, the owner of the dog can be held responsible if the dog bites a person in a private or public setting. According to Santa Rosa Dog Bite Attorneys, the owner may be liable to provide compensation for the damages suffered by the person injured by their dog in California.

In case a dog has a history of being aggressive or biting people, the dog owner is expected to take reasonable care to prevent such instances in the future.

However, the owner may not be held liable if the dog bites as a result of being harassed, provoked, or threatened by the victim. The same is true in case the person bitten by the dog was doing an illegal act such as trespassing on private property.

Laws On Dog Cruelty And Abandonment In California
In California, willfully abandoning a dog (or any other animal) is regarded as a misdemeanor. If a person leaves their pet at a place of business (such as a veterinary clinic) and fails to pick them up within a period of two weeks from the scheduled pick-up date, then the animal is considered to be abandoned. The municipal animal service agencies are usually tasked with the responsibility of penalizing the owner.

People engaging in dog cruelty in California are punishable by law. Such owners can be charged with a misdemeanor or even a felony – depending on the extent of cruelty. Several actions identified as cruelty in California include maiming, mutilating, wounding, or torturing a dog without justifiable reason (such as self-defense). In addition, depriving a dog of reasonable needs like food, water, exercise, veterinary care, and shelter is also considered an act of cruelty in California.

Are Dog Chains Legal In California?
Yes, it is legal to use dog chains in California. However, as the owner, you need to ensure that the chain is properly fastened so that it doesn’t injure or entangle the dog. In addition, the dog chain shouldn’t obstruct the animal’s ability to access food, water, and shelter. In case any owner violates this law, they can be charged with a misdemeanor.

It should also be noted that the law doesn’t apply to dogs while traveling in a vehicle or in the immediate control of their owner (or any other person).

Summing Up
California has several laws in place to ensure the welfare of dogs within the state. In fact, as per the Animal Legal Defense Fund, California holds the 9th rank among all US states for animal protection laws. So, if you are a dog owner in California, make sure to go through the dog laws to avoid charges of misdemeanor or felony.