Local Animal Ordinances

Indianapolis’s basic animal care and treatment laws can be viewed at Municode.com, Article IV. Care and Treatment; Sec. 531­401.

Here are the main highlights of Indianapolis animal care and treatment codes:

General

Your dog must have access to:
Continuous fresh drinking water
Food that is appropriate for dogs and in adequate amounts to maintain good health
A clean and sanitary environment with enough space to prevent the dog from standing, sitting, or lying in its own excrement
Treatment for open lesions on the dog’s skin due to insect bites
Inside training crates or airline crates should never be used for shelter or containment outside
Black dog with a collar peeking through a wooden fence
Brindle dog with a chain standing on dirt near a water bowl in a fenced area

Shelter

Your dog must have access to:
A shelter constructed of solid wood or other weather-resistant materials consisting of solid walls on all sides
A dry floor raised above the ground
A roof sloped away from the entrance to protect your dog from weather and extreme cold
During the winter months and when the temperature is below 40°F:
The shelter must be just large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around
The entrance must be covered by a flexible windproofing material or self-closing door
The shelter must contain clean, dry bedding which must consist of an insulating material that does not retain moisture, such as straw, and sufficient depth for your dog to burrow

Shade

On any day when the temperature is at or above 80°F, your dog’s shelter must be shaded by either trees or a tarp.

Pen or Fenced Enclosure
Your dog must have adequate space for exercise when confined to a kennel, enclosure, or pen which must be at least 100 square feet (for example 10ft. x 10ft.)
Any dog over 80 pounds must be provided with a space of 150 square feet
For each additional dog inside the enclosure, an extra 50 square feet must be provided
A chained and frightened dog in need of rescue, highlighting the critical work FIDO does to protect vulnerable animals.

Tethering

It is against the law to tether (chain) your dog if any of the following is true:
Your dog is less than 6 months old
Your dog is sick or injured
It is between 11 PM & 6 AM
Your dog is not spayed or neutered, unless your dog is in an adult’s visual range and you are outside with your dog
The tether is less than 12 feet in length
The tether does not have working swivels on both ends
The tether is attached to a pinch, prong, or choke collar, or wrapped directly around the dog’s neck

Extreme Weather

Your dog must be brought inside a temperature-controlled building kept between 40°F and 80°F, such as your house when:
The temperature outside is 20°F & below
The temperature outside is 90°F & above
There’s a heat advisory
There’s a wind chill warning
A tornado warning has been issued
Grey pit bull with a chain standing on dirt with grass in the background