Neighborhood Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets

Having a problem with a neighbor's dog? One that barks, barks, and barks,   escapes from their owner's yard and causes problems, or a dog you're concerned is dangerous?   A simple talk with the dog's owners could prompt them to fix their backyard fence, keep the dog indoors, or start dropping their pooch at doggie daycare. If discussions don't do it, enlist the help of an experienced local mediator (many community mediation groups handle disputes involving dogs).

You may also be able to get help from your local animal control agency or the police. Finally, if nothing else works, you can sue the owner of a nuisance dog in small claims court.  

Even if you think it won't help, it never hurts to try to work something out when dealing with a neighbor's noisy dog.

What are your legal options if you have a barking dog problem in your neighborhood?

Animal control departments might be able to help with a neighbor problem that involves a noisy animal.

If neighbors won't keep their dog quiet, as a last resort you can sue in small claims court.

Many cities limit dogs to two to four per household.

Legal realities after a neighbor harms or kills a pet.

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Resolve neighbor conflicts and get peace of mind

Online Form

Quitclaim Deed

Legally Transfer Property with a Quitclaim Deed

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

More Legal Issues

Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.

Learn About Our Team

Learn About Our Team

Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.

Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.

Need a Lawyer? We Can Help

Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.

01

Describe Your Case

Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.

02

Get Connected

We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.

03

Hire an Attorney

Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.

Integrity and Expertise You Can Rely On

Get Professional Help
Talk to a Real Estate attorney.
How It Works
  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you