Dogs in California, United States: rules, tax and travel
Dogs are licensed and vaccinated for rabies from 3 to 4 months, owners are strictly liable for bites, and local dog control may not be breed-specific.
Licensing and many keeping rules are set by counties and cities.
The national rules for United States apply here too. National rules
Breed rules
No breed-specific rule found.
Registration and microchip
Dogs 4 months and older must be licensed, renewed at least every 2 years. The city or county sets the rules and fees (Health and Safety Code 121690).[1]
Other rules
Rabies: dogs must be vaccinated once they are 3 months old, on the schedule set by the state health department (H&S 121690). Cats are not covered by this section.[1]
Bite liability: strict. The owner is liable for a bite in a public place or where the victim is lawfully present, regardless of the dog's former viciousness (Civil Code 3342).[2]
Breed rules: local dog control programs may not be breed-specific, with an exception in H&S 122331 (Food and Agricultural Code 31683).[3]
Not confirmed yet: Leash and muzzle. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.
Sources
- california.public.law/codes/ca_health_and_safety_code_section_121690 (secondary source)
- california.public.law/codes/ca_civ_code_section_3342 (secondary source)
- animallaw.info/article/overview-states-prohibit-bsl (secondary source)