What state law in Maine says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
Last verified November 3, 2026
🚗 Hot cars
Law in place — only officials may rescue
Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in Maine. Only officials such as police, animal control, firefighters or licensed security guards are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window.
Animals covered: An animal
Penalty: While a penalty is not provided in the law, the owner may claim an animal removed from a vehicle only after payment of all charges that have accrued for the maintenance, care, medical treatment and impoundment of the animal.
Yes. Maine requires cats over 3 months, and dogs within 30 days of turning 3 months, to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years).
What the law says: An owner or keeper of a cat over 3 months of age must have that cat vaccinated against rabies. An owner or keeper of a dog, within 30 days after the dog attains the age of 3 months, shall have that dog vaccinated against rabies. 7 M.R.S.A.§ 3916
Medical exemptions: An owner or keeper of a cat or dog is exempt from the requirements of subsection 1 if a medical reason exists that precludes the vaccination of the cat or dog. To qualify for this exemption, the owner or keeper must have a written statement signed by a licensed veterinarian that includes a description of the cat or dog and the medical reason that precludes the vaccination. 7 M.R.S.A.§ 3916
Maine holds owners liable for injuries caused when the dog is off the owner’s premises.
What it covers: Injures a person
Where: When not on the owner's or keeper's premises at the time of the injury
Defences: Any fault on the part of the person injured may not reduce the damages recovered for physical injury to that person unless the court determines that the fault of the person injured exceeded the fault of the dog's keeper or owner. Applies only when not on owner or keeper's property.
Yes. Maine lets a court include pets in a domestic-violence protective order (since 2006) — for example by giving the petitioner care of the animal and ordering the abuser not to harm or take it.
This Maine law concerning personal protection orders in cases of abuse was amended in March of 2006 to include companion animals in protection orders. The new language specifies that a court may enter an order directing the care, custody or control of any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept or held by either party or a minor child residing in the household.
Partly. Maine bans new pet shops from selling dogs and cats; shops already selling them in 2020 may continue as long as ownership doesn’t change and they don’t increase the number of animals offered.
Not for pets travelling with their owner — Maine requires only proof of a current rabies vaccination. Dogs brought in for sale, adoption or exhibition do need a health certificate. Airlines may still ask for a health certificate.
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
CVI not required.
Dogs not imported for resale, 3 months of age and older, must have a current rabies vaccination.
Dogs imported for adoption, resale or exhibition must have a CVI and an entry permit. Dogs imported for exhibition may only reside at the place of exhibition and may not be moved to any private place or farm in Maine.
Dogs, cats and ferrets exposed to any contagious or infectious disease or originating from a location under quarantine may not be imported into Maine.
