What state law in Michigan says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
Michigan has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911.
Michigan requires a current rabies vaccination to license a dog (from about 4 months) and requires ferrets to be vaccinated; there is no statewide rule for cats.
What the law says: Ferrets: by 12-weeks of age M. C. L. A. 287.892 Dogs: presumably by 4 months of age since a valid rabies certificate is required for licensing at this age M. C. L. A. 287.266
Michigan 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.
Michigan 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: While the person is on public property, or lawfully on private property, including the property of the owner of the dog, the owner of the dog
Defences: Provocation Trespassing (law requires victim be in a place lawfully)
Yes. Michigan lets a court include pets in a domestic-violence protective order (since 2016) — for example by giving the petitioner care of the animal and ordering the abuser not to harm or take it.
This Michigan law relates to an action for a personal protection order to restrain/enjoin several categories of individuals: (1) a spouse or former spouse; (2) a person with whom the petitioner has a child in common; (3) a person in a dating relationship with petitioner; or (4) an individual who resided or is residing in the same household as the petitioner. Effective August 1, 2016, the order may now restrain or enjoin those mentioned individuals from engaging in the following actions if that person has the intent to cause the petitioner mental distress or to exert control over the petitioner with respect to an animal in which the petitioner has an ownership interest: (1) injuring, killing, torturing, neglecting, or threatening to injure, kill, torture, or neglect the animal; (2) removing the animal from the petitioner's possession; or (3) retaining or obtaining possession of the…
Michigan 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 Michigan need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) from a vet. Dogs 12 weeks or older must be currently vaccinated against rabies. Dogs less than 12 weeks of age from a rabies quarantined area are not allowed entry. The disease vaccinated against (i.e. rabies), date of vaccination, and (if possible) date of expiration must be listed on the CVI.
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
Yes. Michigan makes it unlawful to own a dog 6 months or older that isn’t licensed and wearing its tag; licences are issued by the county or city with proof of rabies vaccination.
Michigan makes it unlawful to let a dog stray unless it is held on a leash, except working dogs (hunting, farm, guide and similar) while working with their owner.
Michigan caps a security deposit at one and a half months' rent.
Licenses, pet limits, leash and barking rules are mostly set locally:
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 Michigan may have stricter rules.
