Animal Services enforces Chapter 5 of the Miami-Dade County Code pertaining to vaccination, licensure, dog bites, acts of cruelty to animals and illegal pit bulls. If you own a dog or cat in Miami-Dade County, you must comply with Miami-Dade County codes.

It’s the Law!

• Beginning 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.
  • Tethered dog conditions 
  • Amarre de Perros - condiciones
    
    
• 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).
• 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 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 Bull dogs 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)

Pet Laws - English           Pet Laws - Spanish

View the full amended Chapter 5 re-write  regarding Pet Laws in Miami-Dade County

Page Updated May 6, 2009