Tennessee Pet Laws

This page summarizes the main state laws that affect dog and cat owners in Tennessee, with links to the full guide for each topic. State law sets the baseline; your city or county can add stricter rules, so check local ordinances too.

Tennessee Dog License Requirements

Tennessee has no statewide dog license. Counties may license and regulate dogs and cats by resolution of their legislative bodies (Tenn. Code 5-1-120), and cities license dogs by ordinance. State law does require rabies vaccination of dogs and cats, which local licenses usually build on.

Read the full dog license requirements guide →

Tennessee Leash Laws

Yes, in effect. Tennessee owners have a duty to keep a dog under reasonable control at all times and to keep it from running at large (Tenn. Code 44-8-413). It is an offense to let a dog go uncontrolled onto another's property without consent or onto a public road or place (44-8-408). Hunting, police and confined dogs are exempt.

Read the full leash laws guide →

Tennessee Dog Bite Laws

Tennessee makes owners liable for bites in a public place or on property the victim lawfully occupies, without proof of known dangerous tendencies (Tenn. Code 44-8-413). On the owner's residential, farm or other noncommercial property, the victim must prove the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. The deadline is short: 1 year.

Read the full dog bite laws guide →

Tennessee Rabies Vaccination Laws for Dogs and Cats

Tennessee requires dogs to be vaccinated against rabies after 3 months of age and cats by 6 months, by a veterinarian (Tenn. Code 68-8-103, Tenn. Comp. R. 1200-14-01-.33). Local health departments and animal control enforce the rule.

Read the full rabies vaccination laws guide →

Tennessee Pet Limit Laws: How Many Pets Can You Own?

Tennessee has no statewide limit on household pets. Dog and cat dealers need a license from the Commissioner of Agriculture, with fees from $125 to $1,000 by volume (Tenn. Code 44-17-103); MSU lists breeders with 20 or more unsterilized females as subject to registration. Cities and counties set household limits.

Read the full pet limit laws guide →

Find help near you in Tennessee

Popular cities: Memphis · Chattanooga · Johnson City · Nashville · Knoxville · Clarksville · Cookeville · Hixson · Oak Ridge · Franklin · Murfreesboro · Smyrna

This page summarizes state statutes for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and cities and counties often add their own rules; check the current statute and your local ordinance, or ask a licensed attorney about your situation.