Kansas Dog Laws

Laws pertaining to dogs are found in Chapter 47 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated. These laws are meant to ensure the safety of dogs and the humans around them. They include licensing requirements, regulations pertaining to dangerous dogs and laws about care of the animals.

  1. Licensing

    • Dogs owned by individuals or families are not required to be licensed by the state. However, most counties and cities have licensing laws. To obtain a dog license, the owner is required to present proof of vaccination from a veterinarian, pay a fee and affirm that the dog has not been certified as dangerous or vicious.

      Kansas does require that businesses handling dogs be licensed. This requirement includes shelters, pet stores, breeders and kennels.

    Stray Dogs

    • Stray dogs that wander into an individual's yard may be taken in by the homeowner. The homeowner must provide proper care for the dog, including food, water and shelter, and report the stray to the sheriff within 24 hours. The dog must be returned to the owner if she is located.

    Damages Caused by a Dog

    • If a dog attacks livestock or other animals, the owner is responsible for the damage. If a dog is caught in the act of injuring or killing livestock, it is legal to kill the dog.

    Abandoned Dogs

    • A dog is considered abandoned when it is left with a veterinarian or boarding facility and not picked up. The facility or veterinarian is required to give written notice by certified mail that the animal must be picked up. If the owner does not pick up the dog within 10 days, it is considered abandoned. At that time, the veterinarian or boarding facility may turn it over to a shelter or euthanize the dog.

    Spaying and Neutering

    • When a dog is adopted from a shelter or rescue organization, it must be spayed or neutered before adoption. Alternatively, the adoptive owner may sign an agreement promising to spay or neuter the dog.

    Animal Cruelty

    • Kansas has laws against cruelty to animals including dogs. Cruelty is intentionally harming or killing the dog or leaving it without care, including food, water and shelter. Failing to provide medical care for an injured dog is also considered cruelty.

      Animal cruelty can be considered a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the case and the perpetrator's prior convictions. A conviction on felony charges of animal cruelty carries a sentence of at least 30 days in jail and a fine of at least $500.