What state law in Alabama says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
Alabama has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911.
Yes. Alabama requires dogs, cats and ferrets 3 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years).
What the law says: Dog, cat, or ferret must be vaccinated for rabies by 3 months and then frequency established by the State Board of Health. Ala. Code 1975 § 3-7A-2
Medical exemptions: The State Board of Health by rule may establish procedures and qualifications for an exemption from the requirement for a vaccination for an animal if a rabies vaccination would be injurious to the animal's health. Ala. Code 1975 § 3-7A-2 With the written consent of an animal's owner, a veterinarian with a valid client/patient relationship (VC/PR) may issue a certificate exempting an animal from…
Alabama has no state law stopping cities and counties from banning or restricting dogs by breed. Whether a breed is restricted depends on where you live — check your city or county ordinances before moving with a pit bull–type or other targeted breed.
Alabama makes owners liable for bites where the victim had a right to be, but owners may reduce damages by proving they had no reason to think the dog was dangerous.
What it covers: Bite or injury
Where: Vicious dog: Under 3-1-3, liability if owner/keeper allows dog to go at liberty (roam) or carelessly manages the animal. Dog bite: Under 3-6-1, a place where victim has a legal right to be or on owner's property only when defined in 3-6-2.
Defences: There is a mitigation of strict liability for injury to persons. Section 3-6-3 states that the owner of such dog shall be entitled to plead and prove in mitigation of damages that he or she had no knowledge of any circumstances indicating such dog to be or to have been vicious or dangerous or mischievous. If so proved, owner is only liable for actual expenses incurred by the person so bitten or…
Ala. Code 1975 § 3-1-3 Ala. Code 1975 § 3-6-1 · Compare all states →
Alabama has no specific provision for pets in protective orders. Judges can often add other conditions they consider necessary, so ask the court or a domestic-violence advocate to include your pet.
Alabama has no statewide ban on pet stores selling dogs and cats. Some cities and counties have their own bans — check locally before buying from a store, and ask where the puppy came from.
Yes. Dogs entering Alabama need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) from a vet. A current rabies vaccination is also required.
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
Alabama has no statewide dog licensing requirement — counties and cities set their own. Most require a licence with proof of rabies vaccination, so check with your local animal services or clerk.
Alabama has no statewide leash law, but dogs must be leashed in state wildlife management areas. Cities and towns may ban dogs from running at large on their streets.
Alabama caps a security deposit at one month's rent, but a landlord may ask for more to cover pets (or alterations and increased liability risk).
When FDA announces a dog or cat food recall, we email you the brand, the product and what to do.
Or follow the RSS feedGeneral information, not legal advice. Local authorities in Alabama may have stricter rules.
