Serving Larchmont Village, Hancock Park, and the Greater Wilshire neighborhoods of Los Angeles since 2011.

L.A. Animal Services’ Tips on Important Pet Laws for Every Dog Owner to Follow

Obeying local pet laws helps make your dogs happy, healthy members of the community.

The Los Angeles Department of Animal Services recently sent out the following list of local dog-related laws, enshrined in the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC), which are handy for both current dog owners or those thinking about adding a new canine family member.   Following the laws will help keep your dogs safe…and can help you avoid fines for breaking the rules.

License your dog (LAMC 53.28)
Dogs are required to be licensed after the age of four months. To obtain a license, dog owners must show proof of spay/neuter and rabies vaccination. The cost for an annual license is $20 per year/per dog. There are a few exemptions for dogs that are not spayed or neutered, but the fees jump from $20 to $100 and can rise to $335 with a breeding permit.

You can license your pet online at anionlinelicense.lacity.org. To get an intact dog license, you can go to your nearest City shelter and provide proof of the exemption and microchip information. To learn more about the exemptions, visit LAAnimalServices.com.

Prevent unwanted litters – Spay or Neuter your dog (LAMC 53.15.2)
Dogs (and cats) are required to be spayed or neutered after the age of four months, with some exemptions allowed. Free spay and neuter vouchers are available at your nearest City shelter for low-income residents. Applications for the vouchers are also available at City of Los Angeles Council field offices.

Obey the Leash Law (LAMC 53.06)
Dogs must be on leash unless they are in your fenced yard or at a dog park that allows off leash exercise.

Do not tether your dog (LAMC 53.70)
Tying up your dog to any stationary object for more than three hours in a 24 hour period or denying them proper food, water and shelter for long periods of time is against the law and can be harmful to your pup’s life.

Scoop your dog’s poop (LAMC 53.49)
Dog owners are required to clean up after their dogs when taking them out in public. Don’t forget the poop bags when you leave your house for a walk.

A list of these local laws is available to download and/or share in either English or Spanish.

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Elizabeth Fuller
Elizabeth Fuller
Elizabeth Fuller was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN but has lived in LA since 1991 - with deep roots in both the Sycamore Square and West Adams Heights-Sugar Hill neighborhoods. She spent 10 years with the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council, volunteers at Wilshire Crest Elementary School, and has been writing for the Buzz since 2015.

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