The Animal Welfare Act (AWA), initially enacted in 1966 and regularly amended, sets minimum standards of care and treatment for certain animals, including dogs, bred for commercial sale, used in research, transported commercially, or exhibited to the public. Recent amendments focus on strengthening enforcement and expanding protections to cover a broader range of activities and species.

Dog bite liability laws vary by state and determine the legal responsibility of dog owners in cases where their dogs bite or injure individuals. These laws can range from strict liability, where owners are liable regardless of prior knowledge of their dog's aggressive tendencies, to a "one bite" rule, where owners are only liable if they knew their dog was dangerous. Some jurisdictions also have breed-specific legislation that imposes additional restrictions or liabilities on owners of certain dog breeds. These laws vary significantly by state and locality in the US with no single nation-wide approach on dog bite liability; thus, it's important to consult your local county or state guidelines to find the latest.

Several states and local jurisdictions have enacted mandatory microchipping laws, requiring dog owners to microchip their pets for identification purposes. These laws aim to increase the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners and reduce the number of animals entering shelters. Microchips provide a permanent form of identification that can be easily scanned by animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and animal control agencies. These laws vary significantly by state and locality in the US with no single nation-wide approach on dog microchipping; thus, it's important to consult your local county or state guidelines to find the latest. Some states, for example California, requires shelters to implant a microchip on all dogs/cats prior to relinquishment.