Adopting A Dog? Make Sure You Comply With The Law

If you're considering adopting a dog, you need to make sure you comply with the law. We'll give you the information you need!
Adopting A Dog? Make Sure You Comply With The Law

Last update: 18 June, 2019

Who doesn’t love dogs? They’re adorable and make us smile every day. Maybe you’ve seen dogs on the street and can’t stop thinking about how much you want one. If you’re considering adopting a dog, you need to know that you’ll have to comply with the law.

There are several things that you need to do to make sure that your dog’s adoption is “legal.” If you don’t meet the requirements, you could get yourself into some trouble. Or worse, you could lose your pet. Let’s see what you have to do to comply with the law.

Laws on adopting pets

If you adopt a dog, you need to comply with the law.

Before adopting a puppy, you should think long and hard about the responsibility that comes with owning an animal. You should also be aware that you’ll need to spend money to make sure that your pet’s adoption is up-to-date with all legal requirements. These are the first requirements:

  • Vaccines. From the first months of their life, you need to get your pet their first vaccine. Then, the vet will give you a schedule to get other vaccines at 3 months, 6 months, yearly, and a few other ones.
  • Microchips. With the first vaccine, you can also have a microchip implanted. This is a locator that’s useful if your pet gets lost. It allows authorities to easily figure out who the owner is. It’s not only legal and mandatory, but also helps protect you and your pet.
  • Medical Card. This is a form of identification for your pet. Your vet will fill out any vaccines that they give your pet, as well as including information about your pet’s weight, height, health, and name. Your name is also on it to show ownership.
  • Passport. In case you plan to travel with your pet, you’ll have to get a pet passport to show to airport authorities.

Comply with the law: Other laws you need to know about

In addition to these initial requirements, there are some laws that you get you sent to prison if you don’t comply with them:

A Dalmatian with a muzzle on in a field.
  • Muzzles. Any dogs that are considered aggressive breeds, such as pit bulls or rottweilers, should wear muzzles whenever they go outside. If you don’t follow this requirement and something happens to a person or another animal, you could be in serious trouble.
  • Proper care. The law of pet ownership protects animals from abandonment or mistreatment. This includes leaving an animal in the sun, inside a car, not cleaning the animal properly, or anything else that’s considered mistreatment. All these instances could also cause you problems with the law.
  • Picking up after your pet. When you take your dog out for a walk, you need to carry a small bag and a bottle of water to clean up after your pet. The water should be used to clean up any urine off the sidewalk to avoid a strong odor. If you leave your pet’s waste without picking it up and a police officer or a neighbor sees you, you could get into some trouble.

A big responsibility

Adopting a puppy is a beautiful experience if you like animals. On the other hand, it’s also a big responsibility, both on a personal level and financial level. Make sure you can care for a pet properly and give them all the care they need before deciding to adopt one.

Remember that they are living beings that depend on you. If you adopt a dog, it’s not just something to play with or like a toy to cuddle. It’s something you’re responsible for for its entire life. So be responsible. Think before you decide to get a dog. If you do decide to adopt, we’re sure you won’t regret it, but make sure you comply with the law.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.