How many dog rules in South Africa are there? Are they easy to follow if you own a dog? These rules and laws are set in place for a reason. It’s for you and your dog’s own best interest.
Who Can Own A Dog In South Africa?
Anyone can own a dog in South Africa as long as they’re an adult. You need to have a valid license to own a dog, though. Also, you need to be able to care for the welfare of your pet. It also helps to have a home and a sustainable income.
When adopting a dog, you’ll fill out this information to ensure you can care for the pet properly. If an animal shelter doesn’t seem you fit to be a pet owner, they have the right to decline your application to adopt.
Depending on where you live, you can own a couple of dogs at one time. For example, if you live in a dwelling unit, you can own up to two dog1s. On the other hand, if you live in a dwelling house, you can hold up to three dogs.
General Laws About Owning A Dog In South Africa
When it comes to owning a pet, you need to care for them and be mindful of others. For example, various laws are in place to protect and care for your doggo. Also, these laws care for the community as a whole.
Licensing And Identifying Your Dog
It’s required in South Africa to get your dog licensed, no matter how many you own. Licensing your dog helps identify them and makes it easier to prove that you’re the dog’s owner.
In addition to a license, your dog also must be wearing a collar at all times. The collar needs to bare your dog’s name, name, and home address.
They also need to be microchipped by a licensed veterinarian. In addition to the license, this helps you identify your dog easily should you ever get separated from them.
Dog Welfare
Animal welfare laws are set into place to ensure the health and wellbeing of the dogs and the community.
When your dog is home and outside, it must be confined to your yard. This can be done with a leash or a fence.
This law is to ensure that your dog doesn’t get loose. It prevents them from getting lost or injured by getting hit by a car or fighting with other dogs or animals.
Finally, you need to keep your dog healthy and happy. This includes getting them up to date with their vaccinations, bringing them to the vet at least once a year for a check-up, and ensuring they’re well cared for overall. For instance, they should have healthy food and clean water.
All vaccinations are required for your dog. However, one of the most essential vaccinations your pup needs is the rabies vaccine. So even if you’re visiting South Africa and bringing your dog along, you need to at least have their rabies vaccine up to date.
Community Laws
When walking your dog, all dogs must be on a leash. Also, if they go to the bathroom while out in a public area, you must clean up after your dog. Otherwise, you may get fined according to the litter laws.
In general, keep an eye on your dog’s body language. If they’re reactive towards other dogs and people, you’ll need to get the proper training.
In addition, if your dog is known for being aggressive or a female in heat, you are not allowed to take the dog out in public.
Also, if your dog excessively barks, you need to consider proper training or how you’re treating the dog. For instance, they could be reactive at people and cars, so you can train them to quiet down when others pass.
On the other hand, they could be barking because they’re bored, need attention, or are home alone all day. If that’s the case, then you need to hire a dog walker or bring them to doggy daycare to ensure they’re cared for during the day. It will also help them get socialized and get out their energy.
If a neighbor complains about your dog barking and you can’t stop it, then the neighbor has the right to bring you to court.
A Note About “Dangerous” Dog Breeds
The following dog breeds (purebreds or hybrids) are not prohibited from owning in South Africa:
- Pitbull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Fila Brasileiro
- Dogo Argentino
- Tosa Inu
- Rottweiler
Dog Rules In South Africa
The dog rules in South Africa are ever-growing, but owning a dog in South Africa is not impossible. These rules are set to keep you, your dog, and the community safe.
