Walking a dog in Hanoi: the rules for dog owners

Does my dog need a lead or a muzzle when we go out?

Yes. In a public place, your dog must either wear a muzzle or be on a lead held by the person walking it, so that the people around you are safe.

At home, keep your dog chained, shut in or within your home's grounds; keep the surroundings clean and make sure the dog does not bother your neighbours.

Breaking this rule in a public place can be fined 1 to 2 million VND.

What if my dog gets loose?

It can be caught. Each ward or commune sets its own rules for catching dogs that roam free in public places and has a team to do it. If your dog is caught, you pay all the costs, including its keep.

The ward or commune announces where caught dogs are held so that their owners can collect them. If no one collects a dog within 48 hours of that announcement, the ward or commune decides what happens to it.

Do I need to register my dog?

Yes. In towns and densely populated areas, such as Hanoi's urban wards, you must register your dog with the People's Committee of your ward or commune.

The ward or commune keeps a register of the dogs in its area: each owner's name and address, the number of dogs and the dates of their rabies vaccinations. It updates the register every year before the vaccination campaign. Your ward's People's Committee can tell you how to register.

Does my dog need a rabies vaccination?

Yes. Rabies vaccination is compulsory for dogs and cats.

• The main vaccination campaign takes place every year in March and April.
• Every month, catch-up vaccinations are given to newly acquired dogs and cats, and to those whose protection has run out.
• For seven days before the campaign and while it runs, the ward or commune announces the places and dates every day.
• When the local veterinary authority vaccinates your dog, it gives you a rabies vaccination certificate.

Not having your dog vaccinated against rabies can be fined 1 to 2 million VND.

What if my dog bites someone?

If your dog bites or scratches someone without provocation, or attacks another animal, isolate it and report it straight away to the local authorities or the nearest veterinary authority.

Whenever your dog bites or scratches a person, you must compensate the injured person as the law provides.