What state law in Wyoming says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
Wyoming 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.
Wyoming has no statewide rabies vaccination requirement for pets; state law lets county commissioners require it, and most do — check with your county or city.
What the law says: The board of county commissioners may require the registration of all dogs and cats within a rabies control district and may require the owner or person having the right to possession of any dog or cat in the district 3 months of age or older, to present a valid rabies vaccination certificate. W. S. 1977 § 11-31-213
Wyoming 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.
Wyoming 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. Wyoming lets a court include pets in a domestic-violence protective order (since 2019) — for example by giving the petitioner care of the animal and ordering the abuser not to harm or take it.
In 2019, Wyoming amended its domestic violence protection order law by adding subparts (a)(ix) and (a)(x). Subpart (a)(ix) grants sole possession of any household pet, as defined in W.S. 6-3-203(o), owned, possessed or kept by the petitioner, the respondent or a minor child residing in the residence or household of either the petitioner or the respondent to the petitioner during the period the order of protection is effective if the order is for the purpose of protecting the household pet. In addition, under subpart (a)(x), the court may order that the respondent not have contact with the household pet(s) in the custody of the petitioner and prohibit the respondent from abducting, removing, concealing or disposing of the household pet if the order is for the purpose of protecting the household pet.
Wyoming 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 Wyoming need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) from a vet. All dogs 3 months of age and over must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian and must be accompanied by a current rabies vaccination certificate.
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
Wyoming 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.
Wyoming has no statewide leash law. Counties may declare animals running at large a nuisance in unincorporated areas, and towns may regulate or prohibit it.
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 Wyoming may have stricter rules.
