It is against the law to fail to provide:
- Clean and fresh water, and nutritious food
- Protection from the weather
- Veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering or care for diseased, sick, or injured animals
- Proper Shelter
Shelter for Dogs
The shelter should be weatherproof, have a roof, enclosed sides, a doorway, and a solid, level, raised floor at least two inches from the ground. The shelter should not have any cracks or openings other than the entrance, except for rainproof openings for ventilation.
It should also be of the appropriate size for the dog, allowing it to stand, turn around, and lie down.
If the temperature or wind chill is forty (40) degrees Fahrenheit or below, dry bedding, such as cedar shavings or straw, must be provided.
The following are not proper shelters:
- Storage buildings
- Sheds
- Crates
- Pet carriers
- Barrels
- Screened porches
- Patios
- Balconies
- Under lean-tos, covered porches, decks, vehicles, or houses
Read the Richland County Animal Care Ordinance
It is a violation of the Richland County Animal Ordinance for any citizen to own or care for the following animals:
- Cheetahs, Ocelots, Servals, Lynxes, Lions, Tigers, Jaguars, and Leopards
- Wolf-dog hybrids
- Badgers, wolverines, weasels, skunks, and minks
- Raccoons
- Bears
- Apes, monkeys, baboons, macaques, lemurs, marmosets, tamarins, and other species of Primates
- Bats
- Alligators, crocodiles, and caimans
- Scorpions
- Reticulated Python, Burmese Python, Indian rock Python, African Rock Python, and Anaconda (all types)
- Venomous reptiles (including venomous snakes)
- Lizards over two feet
- Other wildlife not listed
Zoos, education and/or research institutions, and wildlife rescue groups don't need special permission if they have the right licenses or permits.
Read the Richland County Ordinance on Prohibited Animals and Exceptions
It's normal for animals to make noise. Barking, meowing, crowing, and other sounds are part of how pets communicate. They might be trying to:
- Get your attention;
- Communicate with other animals;
- Warn off threats;
- Signal distress;
If an animal is making a lot of noise, it could be a sign that something is wrong, like missing food, water, or shelter.
Pets can bring us joy, but they shouldn't bother neighbors or damage property. It's against the law to let your animal become a nuisance. This includes:
Not keeping your pet confined, such as allowing it to roam off-leash.
Feeding stray or feral cats in a way that attracts large groups, unless you're involved in a trap-neuter-return program
Allowing your pet to:
- Damage other people’s property (such as knocking over trash or trampling gardens);
- Bite or attack without being provoked;
- Live in unsanitary conditions that smell bad or are unsafe;
- Create a hazard due to too many animals on the property;
- Spread disease; or
- Chase or attack people, bikes, or cars.
Not keeping female pets in heat confined inside or in a secure enclosure. This can attract other animals and cause fights or disturbances.
If your pet is found to be a nuisance by Animal Care, it may be impounded.
Read the Richland County Animal Nuisance Ordinance
All pets must be kept under control: either on a leash, in a fenced area, or confined in a secure way. Allowing your pet to roam freely is called "running at large" and it's against the law.
Here’s what you need to know:
Dogs must not roam freely unless:
- They're at a dog park or other a recognized event (such as dog shows, hunting events, herding trials, etc.)
Cats must not roam freely unless:
- They're sterilized domestic cats (outdoor cats that are fixed)
- They're part of a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program
If your pet is found running loose, it could be impounded.
Read the Richland County Animals Running At Large Ordinance
You can tether your pet outside for two hours or more, but only when the temperature is between 40°F and 90°F, and only under the following conditions:
- Your pet must be at least six (6) months old.
- The tether is at least 12 feet long and has swivel clips on both ends to prevent twisting.
- The tether weighs no more than 10% of your pet's body weight.
- The tether must attach to a buckle-style collar or body harness.
- Shelter and fresh water must be provided.
- Your pet cannot be sick or injured.
- If your pet is a female, it must be spayed if left unattended.
Weather restrictions
- Below 40°F for 4+ hours: Tethering allowed for only 30 minutes, and only with proper shelter and bedding.
- Above 90°F for 4+ hours: Tethering allowed for 30 minutes, and only with shade.
Heavy chains, such as towing or logging chains, are not permitted.
Choke, prong, or metal collars can only be used if you are with your pet.
Read the Richland County Animal Tethering Ordinance
There are cats in my yard. What can I do?
Residents are encouraged to participate in Trap, Neuter, and Return practices. For more information, please visit the Stray Cats section.
How many animals can I own?
There is no limit to the number of animals that you can own, but the animals must be kept in a manner that is acceptable under the Richland County Animal Ordinance.
There is a raccoon, fox, opossum, or coyote in my yard. Will Animal Care pick it up?
Animal Care is unable to address wildlife concerns. If you are having an issue with wildlife, please contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
My pet has been stolen. What do I do?
If you have proof that your pet has been stolen, you will need to file a report with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department or your local police department.
My family member or friend left their pet at my property. Will Animal Care pick it up?
Animal Care does not pick up pets that are owned. If you want to give up the pet, you will need to contact the City of Columbia Animal Services at 803-776-7387 to make an appointment. It will be your responsibility to take the pet to the City of Columbia Animal Services on that day.
How do I get a copy of a report?
If you would like to get a copy of a report, you will need to contact the Ombudsman’s Office and submit a FOIA request.
Animal Care picked up my animal. How do I get my pet back?
You should visit the City of Columbia Animal Services website to see if your pet is at their facility. If your pet is there, you will need to contact the City of Columbia Animal Services at 803-776-7387 and provide the animal ID associated with your pet. You are responsible for all fees for redeeming your pet.