Pit Bull Type Permits

IMPORTANT UPDATE: PIT BULL ORDINANCE IS CHANGING

Prince George’s County is starting a pilot program (CB-097-2025) for Pit Bull–type dogs, enacted February 2, 2026. This change help residents understand how Pit Bulls can be owned, adopted, and cared for legally in the County.

CB‑97‑2025 removes Animal Control Section 3‑185.01 from the Prince George’s County Code, allowing pit bull–type terriers to be legally owned and adopted in the County as long as they’re registered and all requirements are met.

To read the legislation in its entirety, visit Prince George's County Council - Reference No. CB-097-2025.

What Dogs Are Included?

When the County says, “Pit Bull Terrier,” it means these three breeds:
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
If your dog looks like or is one of these breeds, these rules apply.

What Is Allowed Now?

You CAN foster a Pit Bull
• You may foster a Pit Bull through the County’s Animal Services.
You CAN adopt a Pit Bull
• Adoption is allowed if all rules are followed.

If You Adopt or Currently Own a Pit Bull, You MUST:

1. Get a Pit Bull Permit 
   • Apply for a Pit Bull Permit within 45 days of the law starting. 
   • Keep the Pit Bull Permit active.
2. Register the Dog
   • Register the dog within 6 months of the law starting.
3. Sign a Responsibility Agreement
   • You must sign a form saying you will be a responsible dog owner.
4. Provide Required Information
   You must give: 
   • The owners name
   • The address where the dog lives
   • Proof of rabies vaccination
   • Proof the dog is microchipped
   • A description of the dog
5. Sign a statement agreeing to follow all dog laws
   • Follow the County leash law
   • Be a responsible dog owner

Spay or Neuter Requirement

• All Pit Bulls must be spayed or neutered. • The only exception is dogs used for approved exhibitions.
Training Requirement
• Owners are required to complete pet parenting or animal handling classes if directed by the Administrator.

Important Reporting Rules

You must contact Animal Services:

• Within 8 hours if the dog escapes or goes missing
• Within 8 hours if the dog bites or attacks a person or another animal
• Within 24 hours if:
  The dog dies
  The owner changes
  The dog moves to a new address

Home Checks

• Animal Services may inspect the dog and the home. 
• Inspections will be at reasonable times with notice for health, safety, and rule compliance

Penalties

• No permit = $300 fine
• Breaking permit rules = $300 fine
• Violations can also affect your permit or lead to more penalties.

Service Animals

• Some Pit Bulls in this pilot program may qualify as service animals, following County law.

This program helps protect people, dogs, and the community while allowing Pit Bulls to remain in Prince George’s County.

For more information, contact Prince George’s County Animal Services.