Dog rules in Providence
Providence licenses dogs, requires leashes on public ways and treats noisy dogs as a complaint.
At a glance
| Topic | Providence rule |
|---|---|
| License | Required, $10 city fee, with proof of rabies vaccination |
| Vaccines | Rabies and distemper for dogs over four months |
| Leash | Required on city sidewalks, streets and public ways |
| Roaming | No dog may roam free off the owner's property |
Licensing
The City of Providence Animal Control FAQs says dogs over four months need rabies and distemper vaccinations and must be licensed at six months, and that a city tag requires proof of a valid rabies vaccination. The Providence code of ordinances, chapter 4 (animals and fowl) says every dog shall be licensed, sets the fee at $10, and requires evidence of vaccination. The City of Providence animal license application says the licensing year runs April to April.
Leash and roaming
The City of Providence Animal Control FAQs says no dog may roam free off the owner's property and that a dog walked on a city sidewalk, street or public right-of-way must be leashed and wearing a city pet license. It adds that opening the door and letting a dog wander is illegal.
Barking
The City of Providence Animal Control FAQs says it is illegal for a dog to bark in a way that disturbs the peace of the neighborhood, and that a complaint triggers a license and rabies check.
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