Pet Laws
· As of April 2009, it will be illegal to tether (or chain) your dog if you are not present (Section 5-21). Volunteer trainers will offer free training advice to owners of tethered dogs. For more information call 305 884-1877.
· Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against the rabies virus beginning at 4 months of age, and they must be revaccinated as directed by the vaccine manufacturer (typically, every 1 or 3 years). (Section 5-6).
· Dogs must be licensed every year and must wear their tags at all times. (Section 5-7).
· The registered owner shall notify the Department, prior to the license renewal deadline, of any change in status of the dog, such as if the animal has been moved to a new address, lost, stolen, sold, or given away, or has died. (Section 5-7)
· 4 dogs are allowed to live on residential property that is less than one acre, 6 dogs on 1 to 2 acres, and 8 dogs on 2 acres or more. Keeping more than those numbers of dogs on a residential property requires a Kennel license (Sections 5-1 and 5-13).
· Dogs are not permitted to roam free off your private property. They must be leashed at all times. (Section 5-20)
· If you breed pets, you must have a Hobby Breeder or Kennel license. (Sections 5-1 and 5-13)
· If you sell pets, you must have a Hobby Breeder or Pet Dealer license (Section 5-10).
· If you sell pets, they must be microchipped and registered to the new owner and must be sold with an original official certificate of veterinary inspection. (Section 5-10)
· To transport a pet in the back of a pick-up truck, it must be in a secured carrier. See Section 5-15 for other requirements.
· Dogs in heat must be confined (Section 5-20.1).
· The acquisition or keeping of Pit Bulldogs is prohibited in Miami-Dade County (Section 5-17.6).
· Depriving an animal of food, water, or adequate shelter is an act of animal cruelty (Section 5-4)
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