Dogs in District of Columbia, United States: rules, tax and travel
Dogs over 4 months need a yearly DC licence and rabies vaccination. Dogs may not run at large.
DC is a single jurisdiction; these rules apply citywide.
The national rules for United States apply here too. National rules
Breed rules
No breed-specific rule found.
Registration and microchip
Dogs over 4 months must be licensed each year, before July 1 or within 10 days of getting the dog. Fee $15 if spayed or neutered, $50 otherwise; issued by the Department of Health (DC Code 8-1804).[1]
typical 50 USD, 15 to 50 USD a year
Leash and muzzle
An owner shall not allow an animal to go at large. Dogs on school grounds and public recreation areas must be on a leash, tether or under adequate control, except in dog parks (DC Code 8-1808).[2]
Other rules
Rabies: dogs over 4 months must be vaccinated against rabies and distemper (DC Code 8-1803). No revaccination interval is set in the section.[3]
Bite liability: the former civil liability section 8-1812 was repealed in December 2017. Section 8-1808 says an owner is not excused from negligence for an at-large dog injury just by lacking knowledge of its viciousness.[4]
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.