What state law in South Carolina says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
South Carolina 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.
Yes. South Carolina requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years).
What the law says: A pet owner must have his pet inoculated against rabies at a frequency to provide continuous protection of the pet from rabies using a vaccine approved by the department and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture. Code 1976 § 47-5-60
Partly. An animal is not a “dangerous animal” solely because of its breed or species. Other breed-based rules are not expressly prohibited, so check your city’s ordinances.
South Carolina has a strict liability statute: the owner is liable for injuries the dog causes even if the dog had never shown aggression before. Common defences are provocation and trespassing.
What it covers: Bitten by dog or otherwise attacked
Where: In a public place or is lawfully in a private place, including the property of the dog owner or person having the dog in the person's care or keeping
Defences: Provocation: the person who was attacked provoked or harassed the dog and that provocation was the proximate cause of the attack. Police dog: the dog was working in a law enforcement capacity with a governmental agency and in the performance of the dog's official duties and meets other requirements.
Yes. South Carolina lets a court include pets in a domestic-violence protective order (since 2014) — for example by giving the petitioner care of the animal and ordering the abuser not to harm or take it.
South Carolina allows a judge to issue a protective order that prohibits the harm or harassment against any pet animal owned, possessed, kept, or held by the petitioner; any family or household member designated in the order; or the respondent if the petitioner has a demonstrated interest in the pet animal. The law also allows the judge to issue a protective order that provides for temporary possession of the personal property, including pet animals, of the parties and order assistance from law enforcement officers in removing personal property of the petitioner if the respondent's eviction has not been ordered.
South Carolina 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 South Carolina need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) from a vet, issued within 30 days of entry. Rabies vaccination is required for dogs 4 months of age or older.
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
South Carolina 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.
In South Carolina it is unlawful to let a dog run at large only in counties and cities that have adopted penalties under the state law; otherwise rules are local.
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 South Carolina may have stricter rules.
