What state law in Delaware says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in Delaware. Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window.
Animals covered: An animal (does not include fish, crustacea or molluska)
Penalty: Class A Misdemeanor
Yes. Delaware requires dogs, cats and ferrets 6 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years).
What the law says: Any person owning a dog 6 months of age or older in this State shall have that dog vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian. Any person owning a cat 6 months of age or older in this State shall have the cat vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Any person owning a ferret 6 months of age or older in this State shall have the ferret vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. 3 Del.C. § 8204
Medical exemptions: An exemption from vaccination against rabies may be permitted if a licensed veterinarian has examined the animal and based on the veterinarian's professional judgment has certified in writing that at the time, vaccination would endanger the animal's health because of its infirmity, disability, illness, or other medical considerations and a titer test, in the case of these medical exemptions, may…
Yes — Delaware bans breed-specific rules. Municipalities may not pass any law or rule about dogs based on breed or perceived breed, and no dog is dangerous solely because of its breed.
Delaware has a strict liability statute: the owner is liable for injuries the dog causes even if the dog had never shown aggression before. Common defences are provocation and trespassing.
What it covers: Any injury, death or loss to person or property
Where: Presumably any place
Defences: Provocation, trespass, or criminal act: At the time of injury, death, or loss: was committing or attempting to commit a trespass or other criminal offense on the property of the owner was committing or attempting to commit a criminal offense against any person was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog (provocation)
Yes. Delaware lets a court include pets in a domestic-violence protective order (since 2023) — for example by giving the petitioner care of the animal and ordering the abuser not to harm or take it.
Delaware amended its law on protection orders in domestic violence situations to include protection of pets in 2023. Per subsection (a)(12), a court may "[g]rant the petitioner the exclusive care, custody, or control of any companion animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by the petitioner, the respondent, or a minor child residing in the residence or household of the petitioner or respondent and order the respondent to stay away from the companion animal and forbid the respondent from taking, transferring, encumbering, concealing, harming, or otherwise disposing of the companion animal."
Yes. Delaware’s 2026 law (HB 131) bans pet stores from selling dogs and cats, with limited exceptions for two existing shops that meet disclosure rules. Stores may display shelter animals for adoption.
Yes. Dogs entering Delaware need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) from a vet. Dogs over 4 months of age must be vaccinated for rabies.
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
Yes. Delaware requires dogs 6 months and older to be licensed by the state (Office of Animal Welfare), with proof of rabies vaccination. A licence from your home state is accepted for visiting dogs.
Delaware bars dogs from running at large at any time. Off its owner's property a dog must be on a leash, with exceptions such as hunting, training and designated off-leash areas.
Delaware caps a security deposit at one month's rent for leases of a year or more. A landlord may also require a pet deposit of up to one month's rent — but none for a certified support animal.
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 Delaware may have stricter rules.
