District Of Columbia § 8-1904 - Dangerous dog and potentially dangerous dog registration requirements.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 8-1904 — Dangerous dog and potentially dangerous dog registration requirements., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 8-1904. Dangerous dog and potentially dangerous dog registration requirements.
8-1904The Mayor shall issue a certificate of registration to the owner of a potentially dangerous dog if the owner establishes to the satisfaction of the Mayor that:
The owner of the potentially dangerous dog is 18 years of age or older;
A valid license has been issued for the potentially dangerous dog pursuant to District law;
The potentially dangerous dog has current vaccinations;
The owner has a proper enclosure, as determined by the Mayor, to confine the potentially dangerous dog;
The owner has paid an annual fee in an amount to be determined by the Mayor, in addition to regular dog licensing fees, to register the potentially dangerous dog;
The potentially dangerous dog has been spayed or neutered;
The potentially dangerous dog has been implanted with a microchip containing owner identification information; and
The owner has written permission of the property owner, if the dog owner is not the property owner, and from a homeowner’s association, if appropriate, to house the dog on the premises where the dog will be kept.
The Mayor shall issue a certificate of registration to the owner of a dangerous dog if the owner, in addition to satisfying the requirements for registration of a potentially dangerous dog pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, establishes to the satisfaction of the Mayor that the owner of the dangerous dog has posted on the premises a clearly visible, printed warning sign, in type that is readable from not less than 50 feet, that there is a dangerous dog on the property, and that includes a conspicuous warning symbol that informs children of the presence of a dangerous dog.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 8-1904
What does D.C. Code § 8-1904 cover?
Section 8-1904 ("Dangerous dog and potentially dangerous dog registration requirements.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 8-1904?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 8-1904" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 8-1904 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.