Dog rules in Charleston, Columbia and Greenville County
South Carolina leaves most dog rules to cities and counties, so the answer changes when you cross a line on the map.
At a glance
| Topic | Charleston | Columbia | Greenville County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leash | Eight feet at most, except posted areas | Leash law for all dogs | Dogs must not run at large |
| ID or license | Microchip or durable ID tag over four months | Annual city license | Rabies tag worn at all times |
| Tethering | Allowed only under strict conditions | Covered by Sec. 4-5 | Running line rules, one dog per line |
Charleston
The Charleston City Code, Chapter 5 (Animals) treats an animal as under control on its owner's premises or on a leash no longer than eight feet. All dogs and cats over four months must carry a microchip or wear a durable ID tag with the owner's name, address and phone. Tethering is allowed only if the animal is over twelve months and the tether meets length and weight limits listed in the code. The Charleston Pick Up After Your Pet page reminds owners that waste must be removed.
Columbia and Richland County
The Columbia Animal Services ordinance page says Columbia enforces a leash law and annual licensing, listing $5 for a sterilized pet and a $25 lifetime license for a microchipped, vaccinated, sterilized pet. The Columbia Animal Services licensing page says more than three dogs within city limits needs a kennel license. Fee lines differ between the two pages, so confirm the current amount before you pay. The Richland County pet license page requires licenses in unincorporated Richland County and in Arcadia Lakes, Blythewood, Eastover, Forest Acres and Irmo.
Greenville County
The Greenville County Animal Control answer book says dogs kept outside must be in a fenced yard, walked on a leash or tethered to an approved running line no higher than seven feet, at least twenty feet long, with one dog per line. A current rabies tag must be attached to a collar or harness, according to the Greenville County amended animal ordinance (April 2025 agenda).
Elsewhere in South Carolina
Each town and county decides. Call local animal control where you live before the dog arrives.
Live in South Carolina and want to ask about a dog?
Send your South Carolina ZIP code and what the dog would protect. A partner company that places protection dogs follows up.
Request a protection dog