Even if you're not a dog person, it’s important to know the Raleigh dog laws that help keep our four-legged friends (and community) healthy and safe. While these laws are mainly intended for dogs, they pertain to other pets as well.

Let the dogs off the tether

A dog may not be tethered — tied or fastened outdoors on a rope, chain, or other line — for more than three hours total in a 24 hour period. This is to prevent the possibility of accidental strangulation and to minimize exposure to harsh weather conditions.

Ties used to tether a dog must be at least 10 feet long, weigh no more than 10% of the animal's body weight + allow access to food and water.

Leash your pups

Dogs (and cats) must walk leashed within city limits. Pets are not allowed off-leash in Raleigh parks or playgrounds — unless otherwise designated, like at the new and improved Dix Park dog park. Bonus: Bring your leashed doggo to one of the many dog-friendly businesses in Raleigh.

Keep Fido sheltered

According to a City of Raleigh ordinance, dogs and cats must be provided with adequate food, water, and shelter. An adequate shelter must have at least three sides, a roof and floor, proper ventilation, and enough room for the animal to move around freely and lie down comfortably.

Adequate shelter does not constitute spaces underneath outdoor steps, decks and stoops, inside or underneath vehicles, metal or plastic barrels, cardboard boxes + rooms, or sheds and other buildings without windows.

Don't forget rabies shots

State law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets — yes, ferrets — to be vaccinated against rabies by the time they turn four months old. Owners are expected to keep their animal's rabies vaccine up to date with a yearly or three year booster from their vet. Need a vet? Find one with specialties from nutrition to pet acupuncture.

Scoop your dog's poop

The pooper scooper law states that dog owners must remove their dog's feces from private property unless the owner of the property has given permission to leave it.

Picking up your dog's feces is not just common courtesy, but an environmental necessity. Animal feces left on the ground can end up in stormwater drains and wind up in our creeks, streams, and rivers — polluting our water supply.

If you can provide all this and more for a pooch, consider adopting from the SPCA of Wake County, Wake County Animal Center, or a local animal rescue.