Dogs in South Carolina, United States: rules, tax and travel
South Carolina: Licensing is by county or municipality; registering a dog with the state is optional (Code 47-3-20, 47-3-510). Rabies and bite rules are in the details below.
Many dog rules in South Carolina are set by counties, cities or towns, so check your local animal control.
The national rules for United States apply here too. National rules
Breed rules
No breed-specific rule found.
Registration and microchip
Licensing is by county or municipality; registering a dog with the state is optional (Code 47-3-20, 47-3-510). Rabies vaccination with a numbered metal tag on the collar is required statewide (47-5-60).[1]
Leash and muzzle
Owners may not let dogs run at large off their property, but only where a county or municipality has adopted penalties. Dogs in state park facilities must be crated, caged or on a leash of six feet or less (Code 47-3-50, 51-3-145).[2]
Other rules
Dogs, cats and other pets must be vaccinated against rabies at the frequency needed for continuous protection, with a numbered metal tag (Code 47-5-60). The table gives no age.[3]
State law says an animal is not a dangerous animal solely because of its breed or species (Code 47-3-710(C)). It does not expressly ban local breed-specific laws, so check local rules.[4]
Dog bite liability: Strict liability statute (S.C. Code 47-3-110).[5]
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.
Sources
- animallaw.info/statute/sc-dog-consolidated-dog-laws (secondary source)
- animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-leash-laws (secondary source)
- animallaw.info/topic/table-rabies-vaccination-laws (secondary source)
- animallaw.info/article/overview-states-prohibit-bsl (secondary source)
- justia.com/injury/premises-liability/animal-dog-bites/dog-bite-law-50-state-survey (secondary source)