Dogs in Missouri, United States: rules, tax and travel
Owners are strictly liable for unprovoked dog bites. Dog tax and licensing is a local option, and there is no routine statewide pet rabies vaccination rule.
Local ordinances carry most vaccination, licence and leash rules.
The national rules for United States apply here too. National rules
Breed rules
No breed-specific rule found.
Registration and microchip
Dog tax and licensing is a local option, adopted by petition and election (RSMo 273.040 to 273.180). It is not a statewide requirement.[1]
Other rules
Rabies: state law orders vaccination or destruction of dogs only when rabies is prevalent, by mayoral order (RSMo 322.010 to 322.080). No routine age or interval is set.[2]
Bite liability: strict. The owner is liable for an unprovoked bite in public or where the victim is lawfully present, regardless of former viciousness; damages reduced by the victim's fault; fine up to $1,000 (RSMo 273.036).[3]
Breed rules: no state preemption of local breed laws found.[1]
Not confirmed yet: Leash and muzzle. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.