🐾 New Dog Laws in Greenville County: What Pet Owners & Breeders Need to Know (2025 Update)

Greenville County has officially updated its animal care ordinance, and if you’re a dog owner, breeder, or rescue organization, these changes will affect you. The new laws are designed to improve animal welfare, promote responsible pet ownership, and hold violators accountable. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

📌 Key Definitions Now in the Law

To make enforcement clearer, the county has added specific definitions:

• Animal Rescue Organization: Groups or individuals who foster, rehome, or care for stray or surrendered animals.
• Adequate Food: Must be fresh, nutritious, uncontaminated, and fed at least twice every 24 hours unless a vet says otherwise.
• Adequate Shade & Space: Animals must have constant protection from direct sunlight and enough room to move comfortably.
• Extreme Temperatures: It’s illegal to expose animals to temperatures over 90°F or below 32°F without proper care.
• Ventilation: Enclosures must allow fresh air and reduce harmful odors or moisture.

🐶 Identification & Vaccination Rules for Dogs

✅ Required:

• Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs and cats.
• Dogs must wear their rabies tag on a collar or harness at all times outdoors.
• Additional ID (tag or microchip) is also required for dogs 3+ months old. A rabies tag alone does not count.

🐱 Cats:

• Don’t need to wear a rabies tag but owners must provide proof of vaccination when asked.

🐕 Minimum Housing & Crating Standards

Dogs must have enough room to:

• Stand, turn, and lie down fully.
• Crates are not considered adequate long-term housing.
• Dogs can’t be crated for more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period (unless medically necessary).

📏 Space by Dog Size:

• Under 25 lbs: 24 sq ft
• 25–50 lbs: 64 sq ft
• Over 50 lbs: 100 sq ft

Shelters and law enforcement agencies are exempt from these size requirements.

🚫 Outdoor Pet Sales Are Now Banned

Selling or giving away dogs and cats in the following places is now illegal:

• Public areas (streets, sidewalks, parks)
• Outdoor markets and flea markets
• Any private property you don’t own or control

✅ Exceptions:

• Animal shelters, registered rescue groups, and 4-H/state fair events that follow the law.

🐾 Pet Breeder Regulations

Anyone breeding dogs for profit in unincorporated Greenville County must now:

• Register annually with the county (no fee).
• Meet strict care standards, including:
  • Clean, secure housing (no stacked cages!)
  • Adequate food, water, space, and ventilation
  • Veterinary care, socialization plans, and exercise spaces

Breeders must also keep vet records and follow AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) vaccination guidelines.

🛡️ Animal Rescue Organization Rules

All rescues operating in Greenville County must:

• Register annually (again, no fee).
• Maintain detailed records on all animals.
• Have a vet-approved care plan.
• Meet all care, housing, and sanitation standards for foster homes.

Only registered rescues can work with Greenville County Animal Care.

💸 Owners May Be Charged for Seized Animal Care

If your pet is seized for cruelty or neglect:

• A judge can require you to pay for the animal’s care during the court process.
• Failure to pay means you automatically forfeit the animal.
• If found not guilty, you’ll get a refund of those costs.

📣 New Nuisance Barking Rules

A dog can now be declared a nuisance if it:

• Barks continuously for more than 15 minutes without a valid reason.

📝 Complaint Process:

1. First complaint: A warning notice is posted.
2. Second complaint: Final notice is posted.
3. Third complaint: Requires video proof and a second witness. If verified, the owner can be fined.

❗ Exemptions:

• Barking due to emergencies, trespassers, or working dogs (police, service dogs) is not penalized.

⚖️ Penalties

Violating these laws is a misdemeanor and each day of non-compliance is a separate offense. Penalties may include fines, court appearances, and even loss of animal custody.

📅 When Does It Take Effect?

The ordinance is now in effect. Pet owners, breeders, rescues, and sellers must comply immediately to avoid penalties.

🐾 Final Thoughts

These changes reflect Greenville County’s commitment to better animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Whether you’re a casual pet owner or run a rescue or breeding operation, staying informed and compliant is now more important than ever.

Have questions or need help complying with these new rules? Contact Greenville County Animal Care or consult your local veterinarian for guidance.