Dorchester County Codes Enforcement Division has four (4) Codes Enforcement Officers assigned as Animal Control Officers. These officers are responsible for conducting investigations and enforcing Dorchester County Ordinances related to the regulation of animals and animal owners and keepers in the interest of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the county.

Vaccination of Dogs and Cats

11-15 Sec. 4-5

Any person who owns or keeps a dog or cat four months old or older shall cause the dog or cat to be vaccinated effectively against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Evidence of vaccination shall consist of a rabies vaccination certificate signed by the veterinarian administering the vaccination or a rabies vaccination tag to be attached to the animal's collar. No other vaccination certificate or tag shall be valid in the county. A rabies certificate and rabies tag issued for one animal is not valid for any other animal.

Identification 

11-15 Sec. 4-6

Any dog or cat two (2) months of age or older must wear a collar to which a durable metal or plastic identification tag is attached which has permanently stamped or printed the owner's address and phone number(s). Exceptions: Animal is being housed at a boarding kennel, is participating in training, or the tag has been removed by a veterinarian.

When Your Animal Bites a Person or Animal

11-15 Sec. 4-16

When your animal bites a person or another animal, it will be quarantined for a period of no less than ten (10) days. If you can provide proof of a current rabies vaccination by a licensed veterinarian, at the discretion of the Animal Control Officer and the Health Department, the animal may be quarantined by the owner. If your animal is quarantined at a facility other than on your own property, you will be responsible for the quarantine fee charged by the facility.

Animals at Large   11-15 Sec. 4-7

Barking   11-15 Sec. 4-9

Nuisance   11-15 Sec. 4-9

Dangerous Dogs   11-15 Sec. 4-7

Females in Heat   11-15 Sec. 4-9

All violations are subject to a $500.00 fine or 30 days in jail.   11-15 Sec. 4-14