How to keep a dog without getting into trouble with the neighbors.

Zoey always wears her tags

License your dog. In some communities this simply means having the rabies shots for your dog, in others it means that there will be an actual trip to the courthouse and applying for the license, with the proof of a rabies certificate in hand. In any case, throughout the United States and in most foreign countries, a rabies vaccination is required, for your safety and for the safety of your pet. This also means, in most communities and counties, that your dog must wear a collar with the rabies tags prominently displayed.

Leash your dog when walking, and fence your dog or keep him confined when he is outside. Even in small communities, where some folks may allow their dog to roam free, there usually IS a leash law, and a requirement that your dogs be "under your supervision" or "confined". And if you have the good fortune to live in the country, all too often the dogs who are NOT leashed or fenced end up under the wheels of a car.

an example of a solid enclosure for the dog

Check the city ordinances for your town, and do not put up a fence or a kennel without knowing whether or not there are restrictions. Many towns require a permit before putting up fencing or building kennel buildings.

Find out the rules concerning neutered dogs. Some towns require that a special fee be paid if your dog(s) are not neutered or spayed. Some city ordinances require a numeric limit of three intact animals or less. And often, you may not be aware of the country of state ordinances concerning what a "kennel" is, and you may be in violation of these ordinances if you have too many intact animals of breeding age, even if you do not breed. Not being aware of these rules could lead to a steep fine or even having to find another home for one or more of your dogs.

If you have a dog that is the least bit aggressive, take precautions to be sure that the dog will not have the opportunity to bit a person or attack another dog. Such occurrences can lead to expensive law suits and even to the possibility that your dog will be destroyed. Nearly all states require that any dog bite seen by a doctor must be reported to the animal control authorities or the local police. Dog bites usually mean that the dog in question will need to have in-house quarantine at the least and possibly in kennel quarantine, at your expense. If your dog has a tendency to react to strangers or other dogs aggressively, invest in a muzzle and put it on him before you take him out on the streets for a walk. As a matter of fact, many cities require the muzzling of certain breeds if they are out in public. Be aware of any of these "breed specific" rules and follow them religiously.