The number of dogs you can have in Oklahoma
will largely depend on where in the state you live. In some places, the limit may not exist, while in others, you might be limited to two to four dogs. Others still might require you to apply for a license or permit to own a larger number of dogs. State and local dog regulations may not be something that crosses your mind very often, if at all, but knowing and following dog laws in Oklahoma can end up being crucial to your and your dog’s safety and quality of life.
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Does Oklahoma have laws limiting how many dogs you can own?
In Oklahoma, the limits to how many dogs you can own depend on where you live. Cities in Oklahoma that do limit how many dogs you can own often place the cap at two to four dogs, while others will require you to apply for a license or permit to own a larger number of dogs.
For example, in Oklahoma City
, households can have a maximum of four dogs older than six months old. Noble prohibits owning more than two dogs over fourteen weeks old. The city of Shawnee
requires a “special animal permit” to have more than four dogs older than six months. Lindsay
limits households to no more than two dogs older than six months. Moore
allows households to have no more than four dogs or cats total that are older than six months. Whether or not your city has a limit on how many dogs you can own, the right number of dogs is the number you can adequately care for—and that includes covering potential unexpected medical emergencies for each of them.
Dog ownership limits aren’t the only important laws to know about as a pet parent. Let’s take a look at some more significant dog laws in Oklahoma.
Are there any dog breeds outlawed in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma is one of a handful of states that outlaws breed-specific legislation (BSL) for dogs in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Statute §4-46
states: “Potentially dangerous or dangerous dogs may be regulated through local, municipal and county authorities, provided the regulations are not breed specific.”However, there are legal requirements at the state level regarding response to “dangerous dogs,” as well as “potentially dangerous dogs.”
State law defines “potentially dangerous dogs” as a dog that bites a person unprovoked, or bites and kills another dog unprovoked.
A “dangerous dog” is defined as a dog that:
Severely injured a person without being provoked
Was previously identified as “potentially dangerous” with a notice to the owner, and the dog proceeds to aggressively bite, attack, or endanger another person
Was previously identified as “potentially dangerous” with a notice to the owner, and the dog proceeds to attack and kill another dog.
When a dog bites or otherwise injures a person and wasn’t provoked, Oklahoma law states that the dog’s owner will be liable for any damages, as long as the injured person is “in or on a place” where they have “a lawful right to be.”
If the proper authority deems your dog dangerous, you’ll be required to register your dog as such. To do so, you’ll also be responsible for a hefty list of other requirements, including:
Providing a proper enclosure to contain your dog
Clearly displaying a sign warning that there is a dangerous dog on the property
Proving you have adequate liability insurance coverage of at least $50,000
A dangerous dog in Oklahoma can’t legally be outside its proper enclosure unless it’s properly muzzled, restrained by a chain or leash, and physically restrained by someone over 16 years old.
MORE: 8 steps to a perfect road trip with your dog
What are the leash laws in Oklahoma?
Leash laws refer to laws that require dogs to be restrained in one way or another when they’re not on their owner’s property.
At the state level in Oklahoma, dogs are prohibited from entering state parks or recreation areas unless the dog is on a leash, and for the safety of your dog, it’s a good idea to comply with that. If a dog running loose in one of these areas is believed to be a threat to other people or animals—including wildlife—an Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation wouldn’t be held liable for killing the dog.
Oklahoma also allows counties with populations of more than 200,000 to regulate or prohibit dogs from running at large.
At the city level, Oklahoma City requires dogs to be confined on your property or on a leash when you’re off your property. One exception to that is when you and your dog are at the dog park.
Similarly, Noble has a city ordinance prohibiting dogs from being at large within the city at any time.
Regardless of whether your Oklahoma city or county has leash laws, it’s a good idea for both your dog’s and others’ safety to keep them properly confined to your property when you’re at home and on a leash when you’re out in public.
Penalties for breaking dog laws in Oklahoma
Penalties for violating dog laws in Oklahoma will vary depending on the severity of the offense. Some violations may result in a small fine, while the most serious offenses could get you prison time and cost you tens of thousands of dollars in fines.
Violating dog bite laws in Oklahoma in particular can have some pretty serious consequences.
If a dog has been deemed dangerous and is then allowed to run at large or attack another person who was lawfully on the property where they were when attacked, the owner could face a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000. If a dangerous dog attacks a person who then dies from their injuries, the dog owner could face a felony charge punishable by up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $25,000. Depending on the circumstances, the owner might also have to complete 40 hours of community service.
MORE: How to bundle home and auto insurance to save money
Where to find affordable insurance in Oklahoma
It’s a no-brainer to say that having adequate home
and renters
insurance is important for you—but that coverage is just as important for your pets! Your home is their home: If your home is damaged and becomes uninhabitable, both you and your dog are going to be without a roof over your heads. The right insurance policy can set you up with the shelter and financial protection you need after a disaster.
Your coverage protects their stuff: Having the right amount of personal property protection can help you replace your dogs’ beds, food and water dishes, and even their favorite toys if they’re lost for a reason your policy covers.
It provides personal liability coverage: Hopefully, it never happens, but if your pet ends up hurting another person or damaging their property, personal liability protection can help with legal costs in a worst-case scenario—you’ll just need to make sure your pet is properly listed on your policy ahead of time.
Luckily, with the Jerry
app, finding home or renters insurance that works just as well for your fur babies takes virtually no time at all! After you answer a few quick questions in the app, you can instantly start comparing customized quotes from some of the nation’s top insurance providers. Even better, Jerry’s friendly, experienced agents are here to help if you run into questions along the way, like what options you can consider if you have a “dangerous” dog breed that’s difficult to find a compatible home or renters insurance policy for.
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