What state law in Indiana says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
Last verified November 3, 2026
🚗 Hot cars
Law in place — bystanders may rescue
Indiana protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. The rescuer may owe the owner half the cost of the damage.
Animals covered: "Domestic animal" means dog, cat, or other vertebrate animal that is kept or intended as a household pet. Does not include livestock
Yes. Indiana 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: All dogs, cats, and ferrets 3 months of age and older must be vaccinated against rabies 345 IAC 1-5-2
Indiana 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.
Indiana has a strict liability statute: the owner is liable for a bite even if the dog had never shown aggression before. Common defences are provocation and trespassing.
What it covers: Bite
Where: A person: (1) who is acting peaceably; and (2) who is in a location where the person may be required to be in order to discharge a duty imposed upon the person by: the laws of Indiana; the laws of the United States; or the postal regulations of the United States
Defences: Provocation Trespassing (law requires victim be in a place lawfully)
Yes. Indiana lets a court include pets in a domestic-violence protective order (since 2017) — for example by giving the petitioner care of the animal and ordering the abuser not to harm or take it.
This Indiana law allows a court to grant ex parte orders for protection in cases of domestic or family violence. Effective July 1, 2017, a court may grant a petitioner the exclusive possession, care, custody, or control of any animal owned, possessed, kept, or cared for by the petitioner, respondent, minor child of either the petitioner or respondent, or any other family or household member. Additionally, the court may prohibit a respondent from removing, transferring, injuring, concealing, harming, attacking, mistreating, threatening to harm, or otherwise disposing of an animal described in subdivision (5).
Indiana 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 Indiana need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) from a vet, issued within 30 days of entry. Every dog 3 months of age or older must be vaccinated for rabies within the 12 months or 36 months immediately prior to entry (depending on whether 1 or 3 year vaccine was used).
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
CVI required.
CVI must be completed by licensed veterinarian within 30 days immediately prior to entry.
Entry permits not required unless the dog originates from a rabies quarantine area.
Every dog 3 months of age or older must be vaccinated for rabies within the 12 months or 36 months immediately prior to entry (depending on whether 1 or 3 year vaccine was used).
An animal suspected of having rabies may not be transported into IN.
An animal that has been exposed to an animal infected with rabies may not be brought into IN for one year from the date of exposure.
Additional vaccines are required for the exhibition of dogs and cats in IN.
Indiana 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.
Indiana has no statewide leash law. On state parks and other Department of Natural Resources properties a pet must be caged or on a leash no longer than six feet, under the owner's supervision; elsewhere leash and running-at-large rules are set by cities and counties.
