Living in Guam – General Ownership, Control and Rules
November 17, 2025
General Ownership & Control
Leash & Muzzle Rules
Under Guam law (10 GCA “Health & Safety”, Chapter 34: Keeping Animals) it is unlawful for a dog to “run at large”. FAOLEX+1
Pets must be licensed and wear a tag when required. FAOLEX+1
While there is not a widely-publicised detailed muzzle rule for all dogs, animals declared “vicious” under §34109 may be subject to confinement or destruction. FAOLEX
Practical tip: When walking your dog in public spaces in Guam, keep it on a leash, under control and wearing a current license tag.
Breed-Specific Bans/Restrictions
Guam has no statewide documented breed ban or list of restricted breeds in the main statutes.
The focus is on behaviour (“vicious pet” if bit two or more persons) rather than breed. FAOLEX
Always check local village or municipality rules if a specific breed is being considered.
Licensing & Microchipping
All dogs over 3 months old that are not licensed or that run at large may be impounded. FAOLEX
A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required to issue a pet license tag. FAOLEX+1
Microchipping is not clearly mandated statewide in the statutes we located, but is strongly recommended for pet identification and for moving pets in/out of Guam.
Service Dogs & Assistance Animals
Legal Definitions
As a U.S. territory, Guam is subject to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-service animal rules: a service dog is individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability.
Guam law also recognises “assistance animals” and “animal-assisted interventions” in 10 GCA Chapter 34, Article 1. Justia
Public Access Rights
Service dogs may accompany handlers in public places under ADA standards.
Local businesses and services in Guam should allow service dogs; the ADA’s two permitted questions still apply.
Certification/ID Requirements
Guam does not require additional service-dog registration beyond ADA rules.
For ease in Guam (given transport/entry checks) it is advisable your service dog has proper ID gear and documentation.
Emotional Support Animals (ESA) & Psychiatric Service Animals (PSA)
Legal Recognition
ESAs and PSAs are only recognised in Guam when registered with an accredited organisation that verifies their purpose and related documentation.
Though federal rights apply (e.g., Fair Housing Act), local practice may vary so full documentation is strongly advised.
Housing Rights
Landlords in Guam should make reasonable accommodations for registered ESAs/PSAs, though specific local statutes may not detail this clearly — default to FHA standards.
Travel Rights
For airline travel to/from Guam: service dogs (including psychiatric service dogs, when trained and documented) qualify under U.S. DOT rules.
ESAs travel under pet-policy rules unless documented as a service animal.
Veterinary & Animal Welfare Standards
Vaccination Schedules
Dogs in Guam must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate prior to licensing. FAOLEX+1
Guam is recognised as a rabies-free territory for dogs and cats. csp.navy.mil+1
Neutering/Spaying Regulations
The statutes require that any dog over 6 months given for adoption must be sterilised before release, or a deposit taken. FAOLEX
No blanket mandate for all privately-owned dogs to be sterilised.
Animal Welfare Acts
Under Guam law, pets must be licensed, kept from running at large, and owners are liable for damages caused by pets. FAOLEX+1
Ownership carries responsibilities for care, confinement, and prevention of public menace.