Dogs in Tennessee, United States: rules, tax and travel
Tennessee: Licensing is by county. Rabies and bite rules are in the details below.
Many dog rules in Tennessee 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. Counties may license and regulate dogs and cats by resolution (T.C.A. 5-1-120). No statewide licence found.[1]
Leash and muzzle
Owners must keep dogs under reasonable control and prevent running at large (T.C.A. 44-8-413). A dog that goes uncontrolled onto another's property or a public road is a Class C misdemeanour (44-8-408). No general leash requirement found.[2]
Other rules
Dogs must be vaccinated after 3 months of age and cats at 6 months (Tenn. Comp. R. and Regs. 1200-14-01-.33; T.C.A. 68-8-103, 68-8-106). A metal tag or other proof must be attached to the dog's collar. The table gives no interval.[3]
Dog bite liability: Strict liability in certain circumstances; the one-bite rule applies on residential, farm or non-commercial property (T.C.A. 44-8-413).[4]
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.
Sources
- animallaw.info/statute/tn-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)
- justia.com/injury/premises-liability/animal-dog-bites/dog-bite-law-50-state-survey (secondary source)