MAIN Home Life Home Legal Guide Pets

Although pets are not the first subject to spring to mind when discussing the law, there are an increasing number of laws & local ordinances written to protect the rights of owners & their animals commonly kept as pets.

These include laws governing pet owners, landlords, veterinarians, and pet breeders of common pets such as cats, dogs, goldfish & parakeets.

However, another completely different set of laws also apply to animals not commonly thought of as house pets - such as ferrets, exotic cats, lizards, snakes and endangered birds.

Because dogs are one of the most popular pets in the U.S., pet lemon laws are being written into the books to protect unwary consumers from unethical dog breeders. The popularity of "man's best friend" is also the reason dog bites are the most typical reason for seeking out legal action against pet owners.

Elsewhere on the Web, find out more about pets and the law including facts, information and advice on local ordinances for keeping and licensing pets, related state & federal legislation, along with tips on what to do if faced with legal issues surrounding a pet belonging to you, or a neighbor next door ...

Michigan State University College of Law: Animal Legal & Historical Web Center - One-stop browsing for a host of related laws, ordinances & information pertaining to U.S. and U.K. including a map detailing the veterinary laws of all 50 states, pet sales & pet purchase protection laws, "no pets" landlord policies, the illegal pet trade, cat ownership and related topics.

Free Information on Pet, Dog, Cat and Horse Laws - Online library of articles including information on pet lemon laws, tenant & housing law, pet estate planning, exotic pets, and related health tips & advice.

Dog Bite Law - Extensive information on dog bite law for victims and dog owners including legal tips & advice, facts on owner liability, criminal penalties, police dogs and civil rights, landlord rights & responsiblities and related issues.

Dog Owner's Guide - Canine Issues - An archive of informative articles on laws, regulations and ordinances governing dog ownership including pit bull ownership, how to report an illegal puppy mill, related information on animal rights, and suggested reading.

American Dog Association - Legislation - Archived news & legislation pertaining to dog ownership in all 50 U.S. states, information on dog owner's rights.

The Domestic Cat and The Law - Great historical overview with a directory of Web resources including U.S. legislation, related groups & associations, suggested reading.

CFA Legislative Group - Reference Articles - Cat Fancier's Association library of information on cat ownership, animal ordinances, breeder permits, licensing, and related issues.

NAPA - Exotic Laws/Legislation/Political Links - National Alternative Pet Association resource with information on exotic pet ownership such as snakes, monkeys, exotic cats & ferrets, with related information on legislation, activism, animal rights & welfare, and links to organizations, clubs & exotic animal vets.

also see -> Pets | Pet Friendly Travel | Homemade Pet Food Recipes

Pet Supplies | Pet Boarding | Dog Day Care

The information provided on these pages is intended as reference
only and does not constitute professional legal advice.