Dogs in Delaware, United States: rules, tax and travel
Dogs 6 months and older need a state licence, a leash outside private property, and rabies vaccination. Owners are strictly liable for dog injuries.
State law covers licensing; some municipalities add their own dog ordinances.
The national rules for United States apply here too. National rules
Breed rules
No breed-specific rule found.
Registration and microchip
Owners of dogs 6 months or older apply for a licence from the state Department, with proof of a valid rabies vaccination or exemption. Fees are set by the Department. Fine for no licence is $50 to $500 (16 Del.C. 3042F). A microchip or tattoo may serve as the identifier instead of a tag.[1]
Leash and muzzle
A dog must be on a leash that can restrain it, except on its owner's property, private property with permission, or in a vehicle. Working dogs and dogs in off-leash areas need only be under reasonable control. First offence civil penalty $50 (16 Del.C. 3048F). Tethers must be at least 10 feet and a dog may not be tethered more than 2 hours without a person present (3044F).[1]
Other rules
Rabies: dogs, cats and ferrets from 6 months of age, with revaccination dates set under the national Compendium; a vet may exempt for health reasons for one year (3 Del.C. 8204).[2]
Bite liability: strict. The owner is liable for injury, death or loss caused by the dog, unless the victim was trespassing, committing an offence, or teasing the dog (16 Del.C. 3053F).[1]
Breed rules: no dog may be declared potentially dangerous solely on breed or perceived breed (16 Del.C. 3077F(b)). Animallaw.info also lists 22 Del.C. 116 as barring municipal breed-specific rules.[3]
Dogs are barred from the swimming and sunbathing area of state coastal beach strands from May 1 to September 30 (7 Del.C. ch. 17).[4]
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.