Moving your whole household is stressful enough without getting any unpleasant surprises once you've arrived. Before making the big move, you should really check with your new location's municipal office to see if there are any regulations, or by-laws in effect that could affect you and the dogs you own. Neighborhood associations and homeowners' associations are particularly bad for restrictive covenants on pet owners.
Breed Bans
In effect in a lot of areas, including entire states and provinces, a breed ban may have the biggest impact on your life as a dog owner if you own one of affected breeds. You may be required to purchase a special license for your dog (usually at a high cost), and you will likely be required to have your dog muzzled at all times. The regulations regarding your dog's breed may also dictate the type of enclosure needed to contain your dog. You may not even be allowed to take your dog with you.
Leash Laws
Almost every town has a leash law that requires all dogs out in public to be on a leash. Some towns may also have an additional by-law requiring muzzles or be more specific in what type of leash is required (for instance, one may not allow the use of retractable leads in public areas), or may have areas of the town that dogs are prohibited.
Pet Limit Laws
The average dog owner doesn't have five dogs, or even three dogs, but for those of us that do, pet limit laws are a big hurdle. Usually the limit is set at three, but some townships are especially restrictive and only allow two dogs, or worse, they restrict the size allowed. This is very common in condominium communities or neighborhoods run by a homeowners' association.
More Dogs Quick Tips
Breed Bans
In effect in a lot of areas, including entire states and provinces, a breed ban may have the biggest impact on your life as a dog owner if you own one of affected breeds. You may be required to purchase a special license for your dog (usually at a high cost), and you will likely be required to have your dog muzzled at all times. The regulations regarding your dog's breed may also dictate the type of enclosure needed to contain your dog. You may not even be allowed to take your dog with you.
Leash Laws
Almost every town has a leash law that requires all dogs out in public to be on a leash. Some towns may also have an additional by-law requiring muzzles or be more specific in what type of leash is required (for instance, one may not allow the use of retractable leads in public areas), or may have areas of the town that dogs are prohibited.
Pet Limit Laws
The average dog owner doesn't have five dogs, or even three dogs, but for those of us that do, pet limit laws are a big hurdle. Usually the limit is set at three, but some townships are especially restrictive and only allow two dogs, or worse, they restrict the size allowed. This is very common in condominium communities or neighborhoods run by a homeowners' association.
