Eight checks to finish before paying for a Pennsylvania protection dog

1. Read the Dog Law summaryKnow what a bite triggers and what a dangerous designation requires.
2. Check the municipal codePhiladelphia, Pittsburgh and many boroughs have their own rules.
3. Call your insurerDescribe the dog and get the response in writing.
4. Review housing termsRowhouse leases and HOA bylaws often restrict large dogs.
5. Meet the dog twiceCalm at rest, then in a noisy public place.
6. Test the recallControl beats display.
7. Read the contractTraining claims, health terms and returns should be in writing.
8. Pay carefullySkip big deposits for an unseen dog and keep every receipt.

Not sure who works with protection dogs near you? The K9PN form can introduce you. It refers requests onward, and you can speak to several professionals.

Hurry-up deadlines, no in-person meeting, behavior guarantees and a vague answer about training are all signs to step back.