What state law in Maryland 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 Maryland. 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: Cat or dog
Penalty: Per District Court of Maryland District page that outlines citations for violations of Motor Vehicle Code: Fine of $70.00 (see § 21-1004.1 on page 55).
Yes. Maryland requires dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years).
What the law says: Each person who owns or keeps a dog, cat, or ferret that is 4 months old or older shall have the dog, cat, or ferret vaccinated adequately against rabies. MD Code, Health General, § 18-318
Maryland 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.
Maryland presumes the owner knew the dog was dangerous; the owner can rebut that presumption. Owners are strictly liable when the dog was running at large.
What it covers: Modified strict liability: "In an action against an owner of a dog for damages for personal injury or death caused by the dog, evidence that the dog caused the personal injury or death creates a rebuttable presumption that the owner knew or should have known that the dog had vicious or dangerous…
Where: Presumably any place
Defences: Provocation, trespass, and criminal act: Defenses apply only if the dog is running at large Committing or attempting to commit a trespass or other criminal offense on the property of the owner; Committing or attempting to commit a criminal offense against any person; or Teasing, tormenting, abusing, or provoking the dog.
Yes. Maryland lets a court include pets in a domestic-violence protective order (since 2011) — for example by giving the petitioner care of the animal and ordering the abuser not to harm or take it.
This Maryland law amended in 2011 allows an interim protective order to award temporary possession of any pet (defined in § 4-501 as a domesticated animal except livestock) to the person eligible for relief or the respondent.
Yes. Dogs entering Maryland need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) from a vet. CVI must include statement that the dog (1) did not originate in an area under quarantine for rabies, (2) has not been exposed to rabies within 6 months prior to importation, (3) has been vaccinated for rabies.
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
CVI required.
CVI must include statement that the dog (1) did not originate in an area under quarantine for rabies, (2) has not been exposed to rabies within 6 months prior to importation, (3) has been vaccinated for rabies.
Puppies under 4 months of age are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement.
Dogs entering the state temporarily for exhibition purposes are exempt from the CVI requirement.
Dogs and cats consigned directly to research facilities or licensed dealers are exempt from the CVI requirement.
Maryland 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.
