Providence, RI Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered breeds
- Pit bull, pit bull terrier, Staffordshire terrier
- Registration fee
- $20.00
- Required insurance
- $25,000 liability minimum
- Vicious dogs
- Must be enclosed, leashed, and muzzled
Summary
Providence requires owners of American pit bull dogs, pit bull terrier dogs, or Staffordshire terrier dogs to register with the city and carry $25,000 in liability insurance.
Any person having the custody, ownership or control of any American pit bull dog, pit bull terrier dog, or Staffordshire terrier dog must register said dog with the city on a form to be provided by the city. Said form shall require the following information: Name, address and telephone number of the dog's owner; the address where said dog is harbored, if different from owner's address; dog's sex, color, Providence County rabies certificate and tag number and other distinguishing physical characteristics of the dog, as well as proof of public liability insurance of not less than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) for such registration. The fee for registration shall be twenty dollars ($20.00).
(Ord. 1980, ch. 80-43, § 2, 10-24-80)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 7).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 4-54 singles out three breeds by name: American pit bull dog, pit bull terrier dog, and Staffordshire terrier dog. Owners must register the dog with the city, provide the dog's identifying details and rabies tag number, and show proof of public liability insurance of at least $25,000. The registration fee is $20. Separately, § 4-53 requires any vicious or mischievous dog to be confined in an enclosure and, when outside it, kept leashed and muzzled.
Violations & Fines
Failure to register a covered breed or maintain the required $25,000 liability coverage violates § 4-54; a vicious dog running loose without leash and muzzle violates § 4-53 and can be impounded by the dog officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Providence ban pit bulls?
What counts as a vicious dog in Providence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Providence
How Providence compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Providence to another location·View the Rhode Island animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle breed restrictions.