What state law in Louisiana says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
Louisiana 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 first, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives.
Animals covered: "Animal” means any cat or dog kept for pleasure, companionship, or other purposes that are not purely commercial
Yes. Louisiana requires dogs, cats and ferrets over 3 months to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years).
What the law says: A dog, cat, or ferret over 3 months of age 51 LA ADC Pt III, § 103
Louisiana 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.
Louisiana holds dog owners liable for injuries the owner could have prevented, unless the victim provoked the dog.
What it covers: The owner of a dog is strictly liable for damages for injuries to persons or property caused by the dog and which the owner could have prevented
Where: Presumably any place
Defences: Applies only to unprovoked injuries that dog owner could have prevented
Yes. Louisiana lets a court include pets in a domestic-violence protective order (since 2008) — for example by giving the petitioner care of the animal and ordering the abuser not to harm or take it.
Louisiana law allows a court to enter a temporary restraining order, without bond, as it deems necessary to protect from abuse the petitioner. Among the provisions is one that allows the court to grant ". . . to the petitioner the exclusive care, possession, or control of any pets belonging to or under the care of the petitioner or minor children residing in the residence or household of either party, and directing the defendant to refrain from harassing, interfering with, abusing or injuring any pet, without legal justification, known to be owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by either party or a minor child residing in the residence or household of either party."
Louisiana 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 Louisiana need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) from a vet. OHC must be issued by an accredited veterinarian and must show immunization against rabies within 12 months prior to entry.
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
Louisiana 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.
Louisiana bars owners from letting a dog run at large on unenclosed land or trespass on the land of another. Parishes and cities may add their own rules.
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 Louisiana may have stricter rules.
