What state law in Tennessee says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
Tennessee 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
Yes. Tennessee requires dogs from 3 months and cats from 6 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years).
What the law says: It shall be the duty of every owner to have his dog or cat vaccinated against rabies after the dog reaches three months of age, the cat 6 months of age. Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-14-01-.33 In the law, owners are violating if not vaccinated by 6-months of age. T. C. A. § 68-8-103
Tennessee 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.
Tennessee holds owners strictly liable for dogs running at large; on the owner’s property, the victim must show negligence.
What it covers: Any damages suffered by a person who is injured by the dog
Where: While in a public place or lawfully in or on the private property of another (negligence applies if on the dog owner/keeper's property)
Defences: The dog is a police or military dog, the injury occurred during the course of the dog's official duties and the person injured was a party to, a participant in or suspected of being a party to or participant in the act or conduct that prompted the police or military to utilize the services of the dog; The injured person was trespassing upon the private, nonresidential property of the dog's owner;…
Yes. Tennessee lets a court include pets in a domestic-violence protective order (since 2007) — for example by giving the petitioner care of the animal and ordering the abuser not to harm or take it.
Under Tennessee's Domestic Abuse Act, the definitional section states that "abuse" includes inflicting, or attempting to inflict, physical injury on any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by an adult or minor. Section 606(9) allows the court to direct the care, custody, or control of any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by either party or a minor residing in the household. Further, in no instance shall the animal be placed in the care, custody, or control of the respondent, but shall instead be placed in the care, custody or control of the petitioner or in an appropriate animal foster situation.
Tennessee 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.
Only for stays over 15 days. A health certificate (valid 30 days) is required if the animal is entering Tennessee for more than 15 days. Dogs over 3 months need a rabies vaccination within the past 12 months.
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
Tennessee 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.
Tennessee requires dog owners to keep their dog under reasonable control at all times and stop it from running at large; penalties rise with any damage or injury caused.
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 Tennessee may have stricter rules.
