General Ownership & Control
Leash & Muzzle Rules
- North Dakota has no statewide leash law, but most cities and counties require dogs to be leashed or under control in public.
- Bismarck City Code §3-03-03 and Fargo Code §12-0206 require dogs to be leashed at all times when outside the owner’s property.
- Muzzles are not generally required unless a dog is legally declared “dangerous” or “vicious” under ND Century Code §42-03-01–03.
- Dangerous dogs must be muzzled, leashed, and confined in a secure enclosure when outside their home.
Breed-Specific Bans/Restrictions
- North Dakota has no statewide breed bans.
- Some municipalities have local ordinances targeting pit bull-type breeds (for example, Beulah and Lisbon).
- Dog owners should verify local laws before relocation or travel.
Licensing & Microchipping
- All dogs over 6 months old must be licensed through the local city or county clerk (ND Century Code §36-21-02).
- Proof of current rabies vaccination is required for licensing.
- Microchipping is not required by state law but recommended for identification and required for shelter adoptions.
Service Dogs & Assistance Animals
Legal Definitions
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ND Century Code §25-13-01, a service dog is defined as a dog trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability.
Examples include:
- Guide dogs for individuals with vision impairments.
- Hearing dogs for the deaf or hard of hearing.
- Mobility or psychiatric service dogs trained to perform tasks such as retrieving, alerting, or grounding.
Public Access Rights
- Service dogs have full and equal access rights under ND Century Code §25-13-02 and the ADA.
- They are permitted in restaurants, hotels, workplaces, transportation, and housing, regardless of “no-pet” rules.
- Denying access to a service dog constitutes discrimination under both state and federal law.
Certification/ID Requirements
- North Dakota does not require service dog certification or registration.
- Businesses may only ask whether the dog is required due to a disability and what task it performs.
- Falsely representing a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor under ND Century Code §25-13-06, punishable by fines up to $1,000.
Emotional Support Animals (ESA) & Psychiatric Service Animals (PSA)
Legal Recognition
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Psychiatric Service Animals (PSAs) are only recognised in North Dakota when registered with an accredited organisation that verifies their purpose and necessity.
Housing Rights
- Registered ESAs and PSAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and North Dakota Human Rights Act (NDCC §14-02.4-14).
- Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for registered ESAs/PSAs, even in “no-pet” housing, when valid registration or documentation is presented.
Travel Rights
- Airlines: Only psychiatric service dogs (trained and registered) qualify for in-cabin travel under DOT rules.
- ESAs are considered pets for air travel but may still travel in-cabin depending on airline policy.
- Public Transport: Service dogs are always permitted; registered ESAs/PSAs may be accepted if calm, leashed, and under control.
Veterinary & Animal Welfare Standards
Vaccination Schedules
- Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs over 3 months old (ND Century Code §23-36-01).
- Proof of vaccination must be shown upon request by animal control officers or when licensing.
- Recommended additional vaccines: distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus.
Neutering/Spaying Regulations
- Not required statewide, but shelters and rescues must sterilize dogs prior to adoption (ND Century Code §36-21.1-02).
Animal Welfare Acts
North Dakota’s Animal Cruelty Law (ND Century Code §36-21.1-01–10) requires owners to:
- Provide sufficient food, water, and shelter.
- Protect dogs from cruelty, neglect, or abandonment.
- Avoid confinement in vehicles under unsafe temperature conditions.
Violations can result in fines, criminal prosecution, and animal seizure.