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DC INFORMATION

Helpful links and info for DC dog & cat owners.

DOES MY PET NEED TO BE LICENSED IN DC?

YES.   Dogs must be licensed in DC, cats do not require a license.  Dog licenses are issued by the DC Department of Health's Animal Services Program. To obtain a dog license, an owner must show proof of valid rabies and distemper vaccinations.  To apply click here and follow the instructions.  For more information visit DC Health.

DOES DC HAVE A LEASH LAW?

YES.  Dogs must be leashed at all times and be current on all required vaccinations. DC's laws regulating the care and handling of dogs are outlined in the DC Department of Health's Municipal Regulations for Animal Control.  Sections 900 & 901 are specific to dogs and include the following sections:

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  • 900.1  No person shall own or keep a dog that, by barking or in any other manner, disturbs the quiet of any neighborhood or any person.

  • 900.2  No dog shall be allowed to go at large without a collar or tag, as prescribed by law.

  • 900.3  No person owning, keeping, or having custody of a dog in the District shall permit the dog to be on any public space in the District (other than established city dog parks) unless the dog is firmly secured by a substantial leash. The leash shall be held by a person capable of managing the dog.

  • 900.4  The length of the leash required under § 900.3 shall not exceed four feet (4 ft.).

 

​"Each person who violates DC’s leash laws shall pay a fine not to exceed $25 for the first violation, $50 for the second violation occurring within a 24-month period, and $100 for each subsequent violation occurring within a 24-month period. Additionally, civil charges can be filed if a dog injures a person while at large, lack of knowledge of the dog’s vicious propensity standing alone shall not absolve the owner from a finding of negligence."

WHAT ARE DC'S VACCINATION RULES FOR DOGS & CATS?

  • Dogs over the age of four (4) months must be vaccinated against rabies and distemper.​

  • Cats over the age of four (4) months must vaccinated against rabies.

DOES THE DC LEASH LAW APPLY TO FEDERAL SPACES LIKE LINCOLN PARK, THE CAPITOL GROUNDS, OR NATIONAL MALL?

YES.  All dogs are required to be on a leash in DC whether on city public space (sidewalks, city parks, etc.) or federal space like Lincoln Park, the U.S. Capitol grounds, the National Mall, and the U.S. National Arboretum.  U.S. Park Police and other federal law enforcement enforce leash laws on federal land and can issue federal citations for violations.

DC DOG PARK RULES

DC's Dog Parks: Operating Rules - Section 19-735:  DC has numerous officially designated DPR dog parks throughout the District. Rules for dog owners include the following sections:

 

  • 735.7    A handler shall collect and bag all solid waste from his or her dog and dispose of it in the designated on-site receptacle in the dog park.

  • 735.8    A handler shall accompany, maintain visual contact, and have voice control over his or her dog(s) at all times.

  • 735.9    A handler shall not have more than three (3) dogs in a dog park at any one time. 

  • 735.10  A handler shall not have a dog that is less than four (4) months old in a dog park. 

  • 735.11  A handler shall not have a female dog that is in heat in the dog park.

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The full text of the rules can be found here.

PICKING UP AFTER YOUR DOG IN DC

DC residents and visitors are required to pick up after their dogs. Fines for failing to do so range from $150 -$2,000.
"Dog waste transmits diseases, attracts rats, kills grass, and pollutes waterways. Use a bag to pick up your dog’s waste and then dispose of it in a trash can."

STANDARD OF CARE FOR ANIMALS ACT OF 2017 (RAY's LAW)

Ray's Law provides significant revisions to DC's laws governing the humane treatment of animals.  Highlighted in the law are 2 important changes directly related to cold weather:

  • The law clarifies that an animal cannot be outdoors for more than 15 minutes during periods of extreme weather without human accompaniment or adequate shelter. Extreme winter weather means temperatures below 32 degrees. 

  • The law defines “adequate shelter” when the temperature is at or below 40 degrees. Adequate shelter means the dog has access to a shelter that has an entrance covered by a flexible wind-proofing material or self-closing door, that contains a platform for the dog at least four inches off the ground, and that contains dry bedding, which shall consist of an insulating material that does not retain moisture such as straw, and is of a sufficient depth for the dog to burrow.​​

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The full text of the law can be found in the link above.

ANIMAL RESCUE & CONTROL SERVICES IN DC

AS OF 1/1/25 animal care and control in DC is provided by Brandywine Valley SPCA.  Use the following numbers to contact them and animal control.

  • For human law enforcement and reporting cruelty cases, call 202-723-5730 

  • For animal control and wildlife services call 202-888-7387

PETS IN HOUSING AMENDMENT ACT OF 2024 (ROSCOE's LAW)

Roscoe's Law is a DC law taking effect in phases.  Some elements of the law came into effect in 2025.  A main element of the law which makes it illegal for landlords in DC to discriminate based on a pet's breed, weight, or size in pet-friendly housing comes into effect on 10/1/26.

 

Other elements of Roscoe's Law, already in effect, include:

  • Pet security deposits are capped at 15% of the monthly rent.

  • Pet rent is capped at 1% of the total monthly rent.

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The full text of the law can be found in the link above.

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