What state law in Vermont says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
Last verified November 3, 2026
🚗 Hot cars
Law in place — bystanders may rescue
Vermont 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. Leaving an animal in a dangerous vehicle is also an offence.
Animals covered: An animal
Penalty: Failure to comply with subsection (a) of this section is a violation of subdivision 352(3) of this title (guilty of cruelty with a sentence of imprisonment of not more than one year, or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both).
Vermont requires dogs and wolf-hybrids over 3 months to be vaccinated against rabies; there is no statewide rule for cats.
What the law says: All dogs and wolf-hybrids over 3 months of age shall be vaccinated against rabies. 20 V.S.A. § 3581
Medical exemptions: Rabies vaccination must be administered to domestic pets and wolf/hybrids prior to the age of 4 months unless in the judgment of the veterinarian the animal's medical condition would prevent the development of adequate immunity to rabies. Animals so exempted must be inoculated against rabies as soon as their medical condition permits. Vt. Admin. Code 2-4-307
Vermont 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.
Vermont has no dog-bite strict liability statute. Under the “one-bite” rule and negligence law, an injured person usually has to show the owner knew — or should have known — the dog was dangerous, or was careless in controlling it.
Yes. Vermont 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.
Vermont law was amended to allow a court to include an order relating to the possession, care and control of any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held as a pet by either party or a minor child residing in the household in a domestic violence situation.
Vermont 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.
Not for pets travelling with their owner — Vermont 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:
Official Health Certificate (or similar certificate) required for dogs imported for sale, resale, exchange, or donation.
Certificate must be issued by a veterinarian licensed in the state or country of origin.
Must certify that dog has been inspected and is free of visible signs of infections or contagious or communicable disease.
If the dog is over 3 months of age, it must have a current rabies vaccination or is a specific breed for which a rabies vaccination is not age-appropriate.
Yes. Vermont requires dogs and wolf-hybrids 6 months and older to be licensed with the municipal clerk each year by April 1, with proof of rabies vaccination.
Vermont has no statewide leash law. State law lets each city or town regulate the leashing, restraint and running at large of dogs by ordinance (a registered working farm dog on its own farm is exempt). A dog known to chase deer or moose may not run at large unaccompanied.
