The 12 Weirdest Dog Laws in the World

Many laws out there protect you and your pet, such as dogs needing leashes, no animal cruelty, and even certain bans on breeds. Whether or not you agree with these laws, they act as a form of protection. Every country has slightly different laws surrounding pets, which is why if you’re ever traveling with your favorite pooch, you need to make sure you understand the rules of the country you are visiting. Of course, that includes even some of the weirdest dog laws.

Some of the laws make sense, but some are straight weird or confusing. They may have a practical reason behind them, but it’s not always easy to understand the reasoning behind a law, which ends up making it sound absurd or fake.

Even from state to state, there are unique laws for your pets. It’s important to learn about them, and laugh at some of the more absurd options. Keep reading to learn more about the 12 weirdest dog laws in the world, including some that may be in your own country.

1. Tests for Pet Owners

Location of Law: Switzerland

Following a string of attacks in 2008, Switzerland required tests and obedience courses for anyone wanting a dog. However, the law went away again in 2016 when the requirements didn’t reduce dog attacks.

2. One-Dog Policy

Location of Law: China

In 2009, China enacted a one-dog policy for its citizens. The policy seems cruel, especially for people forced to give up one or more of their dogs, but it is meant to help reduce stray dog populations.

3. Very Few Dogs Are Allowed

Location of Law: Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, dogs aren’t as popular as in other parts of the country. If you want to bring your dog, it better be a working dog, such as a service, hunting, or guard dog.

4. You Can Only Bring Two Dogs

Location of Law: Mexico

Mexico limits how many pets a person can bring into the country to two. This is a limit per person, so a couple can bring four dogs. However, more than three pets and you can expect to pay some extra fees.

5. Pet Tax by Weight Policy

Location of Law: Germany

While every German state has slightly different taxes, so you have to check the rule based on your area. In some states, the tax is by weight, so small dogs have a smaller fee than large dogs. Others have just a standard tax per dog.

6. No French Poodles in Operas

Location of Law: Chicago, Illinois

Chicago has a strange law that prevents certain dogs from entering the opera house. The catch? Only French Poodles have been banned. There’s not a lot of clarification on whether other poodle types or dog breeds in general are allowed.

7. No Noisy or Smelly Pets

Location of Law: Galesburg, Illinois

Illinois has some strange dog laws. In Galesburg, no animals that smell bad or make a lot of noise can stay within the city, and yes, that includes dogs.

8. Walk Your Dogs Three Times a Day

Location of Law: Turin, Italy

This is actually a rather nice law. In Turin, Italy, dogs require three walks a day. This ensures the dog gets the proper exercise they need, and the owner too. How the people are caught, though, is unclear.

9. No Educating Dogs

Location of Law: Hartford, Connecticut

This law was established in the 1800s. People were worried that dogs if educated, would rise and overthrow their human masters. It’s not clear why this was a fear, but it definitely was.

10. No Dogs Chasing Deer

Location of Law: Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, it’s illegal for anyone who owns or is watching a dog to allow said dog to chase, hunt, molest, attack, or kill a deer. It’s unclear why this is, but it might have something to do with scaring off deer that people enjoy seeing.

11. No Tying Dogs to Objects in Public Spaces

Location of Law: Spain

In Spain, it’s now illegal for dogs to be tied up and left alone in public spaces. Added to this law is another one that says dogs are not to be left alone for more than 24 hours. These are some of Spain’s first national welfare laws and they were established in 2023.

12. No Dogs in Public Elevators

Location of Law: Glendale, California

In Glendale, the laws prevent people from taking dogs into public buildings and using the elevator. The only exemption is service dogs. It’s thought that the law is to help protect service dogs who might otherwise be attacked or frightened by non-service dogs.