Raleigh, NC Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

The City of Raleigh and the State of North Carolina do not impose breed-specific legislation (BSL); no specific breed, including pit bulls, Rottweilers, or Doberman Pinschers, is banned. Instead, NC General Statute §67-4.1 through §67-4.5 (the state's Dangerous Dogs Law) and Raleigh City Code Part 12 regulate individual dogs based on their behavior. A dog may be declared potentially dangerous or dangerous if it has killed or inflicted severe injury on a person without provocation, killed a domestic animal while off its owner's property, approached a person in a vicious or terrorizing manner, or been used primarily to guard illegal activity. Declarations are made by Raleigh Animal Control or the County Animal Services Department. Owners of dangerous dogs must keep the dog confined in a securely fenced enclosure or on a leash and muzzle when off-property, post warning signs, carry liability insurance (often at least $100,000), register the dog annually, and microchip it. Violations are criminal offenses and can result in impoundment and destruction of the animal. HOAs and insurance carriers may impose private breed restrictions even where the city does not, so owners should verify with insurers. Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs over 4 months.