Michigan dog laws: leash, licensing, bites and breed rules

This is a general summary of Michigan state law for dog owners. It is information, not legal advice. Reviewed November 2026.

Leashes and licensing

Michigan has a state rule on strays and a state licence law. It is unlawful for an owner to allow a dog to stray unless the dog is held properly in leash. The exception covers working dogs, such as leader, guard, farm and hunting dogs, when they are accompanied by their owner or agent and actively doing what they are trained for. An owner may also not let a female dog in heat go beyond the owner's premises unless leashed (MCL 287.262).

Every dog 6 months or older must be licensed and wear a collar with an approved tag, and the licence application duty applies to a dog 4 months or older. The owner applies to the county treasurer or, in some places, the township or city treasurer. The application comes with a rabies vaccination certificate signed by a veterinarian (MCL 287.262, 287.266). Cities, villages and townships may also adopt their own animal control ordinances.

Rabies vaccination

Michigan's licensing rules tie into vaccination: a licence application needs proof that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies with a USDA-licensed vaccine. A bite where rabies is suspected must be reported to the local health department within 24 hours, and an animal that has bitten a person is handled under the national rabies compendium that state rules adopt by reference (R 325.180). The local health department receives the report, so ask it what quarantine or observation applies.

Dangerous dogs and bites

For civil claims, if a dog bites a person without provocation while the person is on public property or lawfully on private property, including the owner's, the owner is liable for the damages. It does not matter whether the dog was known to be vicious (MCL 287.351). The Dangerous Animals Act defines a "dangerous animal" as a dog or other animal that bites or attacks a person, or a dog that seriously injures or kills another dog on its owner's property. It excludes animals that bite a knowing trespasser, a person who provokes or torments the animal, or an animal protecting a person from an assault (MCL 287.321). On a sworn complaint, a court holds a hearing and must order destruction of a dangerous animal that caused serious injury or death, and may do so for a repeat or likely future offender (MCL 287.322).

The criminal penalties fall on the owner. If a dangerous animal kills a person, the owner is guilty of involuntary manslaughter. If it causes serious injury other than death, the owner commits a felony punishable by up to 4 years. A previously adjudicated dangerous animal that bites, or is allowed to run at large, makes the owner guilty of a misdemeanor (MCL 287.323).

Breed-specific rules

The Dangerous Animals Act defines a dangerous animal by what it did, a bite or an attack, and does not mention breed.

Tethering and cruelty

A dog may not be tethered unless the tether is at least 3 times the dog's length, measured from nose to base of tail, and is attached to a harness or non-choke collar designed for tethering. The rule does not apply while the dog is being groomed, trained, transported or used in a hunt or event where a shorter tether is needed (MCL 750.50).

Knowingly killing, torturing, mutilating or maiming a companion animal such as a dog is a felony. The top tier is up to 10 years, and the second tier is up to 7 years (MCL 750.50b).

Where to check your local rule

Cities, villages, townships and counties often set stricter leash, licence, number-of-dogs and breed rules. Check the local animal control website or ordinance code. If a dog has bitten someone or been reported, talk to a lawyer or the animal-control office.