Pets at Water's Edge

The Animal Control laws of Howard County apply to your pets in and around Water's Edge, not just our property. As a convenience to residents the following summarization has been made of the webpages of the county pertaining to pets. The telephone number for the Howard County Animal Control Facility is 410-313-2780. The website is

http://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments.aspx?ID=700

Note that pet waste should be picked up by the owner and disposed of properly. There are garbage cans throughout the surrounding paths and sidewalks. Town Center park on Vantage Point Road has waste disposal bags to encourage cleanup. Dogs should be leashed at all times. Water's Edge is fortunate to have a large meadow behind the units that back up to the lake. Many dog owners are known to congregate and let their dogs play together there.

When domestic animals are not confined on their owner's property, the county requires that they be on a leash or properly restrained and under the direct control of a responsible person.

Below is a summary of selected requirements of the county's Animal Control laws that all animal owners should familiarize themselves with.

• Pet owners must continuously maintain a rabies vaccination for their pets which are 4 months of age or older.

• All dog and cat owners must purchase Howard County annual licenses for their pets. Each pet shall wear the license tag issued attached to a collar or harness. Pets properly tattooed, micro chipped or ear tagged are exempt from the requirement of wearing the license tag.

• A domesticated animal must be on a leash and under the control of a responsible person capable of immediate and effective restraint when not on the owner's property.

• Owners are responsible for removing pet defecation anywhere.

• A female domesticated animal "in heat" must be confined indoors or in an outdoor enclosure.

• Owners are responsible for preventing their dog from barking to the extent that it disturbs neighbors.

• Owners must prevent their pets from disturbing garbage placed for disposal or chasing vehicles.

• A person who injures or kills a domestic animal while driving must stop, if safety permits, and render such assistance as is practical. Notify Animal Control immediately.

You may purchase a license at the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits, 430 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City MD ( 410-313-2455 410-313-2455 ).

Download a cat/dog license application.