Pets at home

Did you know?

When we got our rescue dog, they said he'd bitten other dogs in the past. But he's so gentle! Yet I've been told that because of his past, he's a so-called "dangerous dog," and if I don't take extra precautions I could be in legal trouble if he re-offends. Is that right?
  • Yes
  • No

Whatever your choice of a pet — big or small, traditional or exotic, a companion or a helper — you have legal responsibilities as its owner. They extend both to the pet and to your fellow humans. Let’s look at what you need to know about taking care of your pet at home. (We also have information on taking care of pets in public.)

What you should know

Take action to prevent problems

Who can help

  • This information applies to British Columbia, Canada
  • Reviewed for legal accuracy in September 2020
  • Time to read: 10 minutes

Reviewed for legal accuracy by

David Kandestin, People's Law School

David Kandestin

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Options for legal help

We are grateful to work on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, whose Peoples continue to live on and care for these lands.