Hawaii
does not have a state-wide limit on how many dogs you can own. However, each city will enforce its own laws and in some cases, you can own as many as ten dogs. Dogs can bring unparalleled joy and companionship to our lives. Big ones that act like lap dogs, small ones that act as guard dogs, and all the furry love in between, sometimes we just want to have a bunch of pups around us.
If you live on a private farm or run a kennel, that dream can come true for you. If you’re in a more compact residential area, however, you may face limits on how many fur babies you can have at once.
To walk you through the need-to-knows of being a pet parent, Jerry
, the home insurance
broker and super app
, put together this guide on the legal implications of owning a dog in Hawaii. Does Hawaii have laws limiting how many dogs you can own?
The State of Hawaii does not impose a limit on how many dogs you can own, however, individual cities can enact a limit.
In Honolulu
, for example, you may not own more than ten dogs that are at least four months old at one time. This is one of the more generous dog-owning limits—think of all the cuddles a ten dog pile-up could offer! Dog laws in Hawaii are more aimed at dog welfare. Inhumanely tethering dogs is now outlawed and there is more effort put towards making sure each dog lives in a humane and secure way, even if they aren’t owned or don’t seem to be owned by anyone.
Are there any dog breeds outlawed in Hawaii?
Hawaii’s state law does not place legal restrictions on specific dog breeds and doesn’t have a state-wide statute for what is considered a “dangerous dog”. In some parts of the state, a dog can be considered “dangerous” if it attacks another person or domestic animal (including chickens, pigs, and cattle) without provocation.
However, it may be difficult for tourists and travelers to bring their dogs with them if they visit Hawaii. The islands are rabies-free and they want to keep it that way.
What are the leash laws in Hawaii?
Although our dogs are happy with us (most of the time, anyway), they can still try to escape their leashes. It is the responsibility of their owners to ensure that doesn’t happen.
Leash laws in Hawaii state that:
Your dog must not be permitted to be off-leash on public highways, streets, unfenced lots, and yards without a proper enclosure.
Female dogs must not be allowed to be off-leash while they are in heat.
These laws protect your pup as well as other animals and people, and as the owner, you can face serious legal trouble if you don’t adhere to them.
Penalties for breaking dog laws in Hawaii
Breaking dog laws in Hawaii can lead to legal consequences that will fall solely on a dog’s owner. The exact penalties enacted will depend on where you live.
In less severe cases, the owner will be responsible for identifying and taking the necessary precautions to ensure whatever happened won’t happen again. In the event of a bite or an attack on another person or animal, the owner may be taken to court. In this case, thecourt will determine what steps are necessary to prevent the incident from happening again—including taking the dog away from its owner.
As a dog owner facing penalties for breaking dog laws in Hawaii, you could be looking at fines or even jail time.
Where to find affordable insurance in Hawaii
Home and renters insurance can protect your home and its belongings—including Fido’s beloved toys and accessories. If you are in need of home or renters insurance, or you want to make sure you’re getting the best rate for the coverage you want, use Jerry
! The simplicity of using Jerry will make you feel almost as good as when your pup comes up for a snuggle at the end of a long day.
Just download the Jerry app or go to getjerry.com. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from top insurance companies and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request.
The average Jerry user saves $800+ a year on their insurance!
“This was the coolest insurance company I’ve seen so far. They saved me $1200 and their Ux is stellar. Go Jerry
!” —Carla W.
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