Spartanburg Police Department's Animal Services Division is responsible for enforcing the city's animal and pet ordinances, as well as responding to calls and tips from citizens regarding animal control issues. Our division focuses on compliance through education, and whenever possible we work with pet owners to resolve issues. When necessary however, citations are issued. Animal ordinance citations are heard at the City of Spartanburg Municipal Court (145 W. Broad St) on Mondays at 11:00 a.m.
General rules about animals and pets in the City of Spartanburg:
- Dogs and cats must wear city license and rabies tags at all times. License fees are $6 for cats and dogs that have been spayed or neutered. The fee for dogs that have not been altered is $25.
- Dogs and cats must be restrained on their owner's property at all times.
- All animals must have access to clean water at all times.
- Exotic animals are not permitted in the city.
Temperature Regulations
Pets must be brought inside to a temperature-controlled environment when the temperature is at or below 32 degrees or in the case of a heat advisory, wind chill warning, or tornado warning.
Tethering Regulations
Tethering of pets is restricted to 2 hours within a 12-hour period, and only a cable and trolley system may be used. No tethering to trees or posts/metal stakes is allowed.
Shelter Regulations
Portable pet carriers, wire crates, pet taxis, and metal barrels do not provide adequate shelter for outside pets and therefore are banned from being used as forms of shelter.
Shelter during winter must have a roof, an entrance covered by a flexible wind-proofing material, and must contain dry insulating bedding such as straw deep enough to allow the dog to burrow.
In all other months, dogs must have access to shelter shaded by trees, a roof, a tarp or tarp-like material for cover. Outside enclosures must be at least 100 sq. ft. for dogs weighing under 80 lbs. or 150 sq. ft. for dogs weighing over 80 lbs. For each additional dog within an enclosure, 50 sq. ft. must be added. Enclosures must be constructed with chain link or similar material and must be tall enough to contain the animal.
