ב"ה
Sunday, 23 Iyyar, 5786
  |  May 10, 2026

Is There a Halachic Issue with Having a Dog or a Cat?

Stump the Rabbi: Is there a Halachic issue with having a dog or a cat at home? Rabbi Shlomo Goldfarb answers. Video

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Hashkafa
November 13, 2022 3:39 pm

I just feel that people who own dogs are just more loyal and sensitive.

right
Reply to  Hashkafa
November 13, 2022 5:40 pm

because parents who raise kids for eighteen years aren’t trustworthy and lack empathy or feelings for what they’re kids are going through

Sensitivity
Reply to  Hashkafa
November 13, 2022 6:56 pm

Not when they take them to “do their business” away from their own property for everyone else to deal with.

B”H
Reply to  Hashkafa
November 13, 2022 7:03 pm

I agree yet as a dog owner there are great deal of halachic responsibilities involved… be on the look out for my sefer in the next year with Hashems help which will include in depth halacha for such issues such as kosher concerns, damages, Shabbos and much more.

With all else apart dog ownership has greatly enhanced our home in many ways.

fellow dog owner
Reply to  B”H
November 13, 2022 8:01 pm

I would love to read your book when available. I have a dog and try to follow the available halachos, and would love to learn more.
Thank you!

Correct me if I'm wrong...
November 13, 2022 3:41 pm

Isn’t there an inyan that a dog is the only animal that recognizes man as his master whereas the other animals see Hashem as his master, therefore you are not supposed to have a dog? (as mentioned above, not talking about a service animal)

In Addition
Reply to  Correct me if I'm wrong...
November 13, 2022 4:18 pm

Dogs disobeyed Hashem in the teivah?

How do people clean up after them on Shabbos and YT?

Are people careful to check that the dog food isn’t basar b’cholov?

What do they do on Pesach? It’s not healthy for the dog to give a dog food meant for humans.

So many issues yet so many people seem to be into dogs these days…

Dog Owner #2
Reply to  In Addition
November 13, 2022 9:38 pm

Cleanup is on Sunday in the backyard
Yes we are careful with the food
CRC has an approved list of Kosher for Pesach pet foods for all types of pets

Pet ownership is a real brachoh
Reply to  In Addition
November 14, 2022 2:46 pm

Dogs did not bark when the Yidden went out of Mitzrayim. That is why Hashem rewarded them, such that when a Yid has a neveiloh, Hashem commanded us “la’kelev tashleechoohoo” i.e. throw it to the dog.

Klp food
Reply to  In Addition
November 14, 2022 10:31 pm

There klp dog &cat food available listed in klp book that comes out every year

Shoshana Dvora
November 13, 2022 7:41 pm

Cats are loyal, affectionate, and beautiful. They give us love and affection. Plus , if need be,they catch rats and mice. Cats protect people. I love them all.

In Addition
Reply to  Shoshana Dvora
November 13, 2022 10:00 pm

Is there something in halacha about touching cats? I forget.

Pet ownership is a real brachoh
November 14, 2022 11:37 am

I highly doubt that the presenter in the video ever owned a pet! If he had, he would know that generally speaking, all pets are therapeutic for all household members – in a very positive manner. Today, many people think that ‘ess past nisht’ to own a pet. However, my father a’H, who hailed from the Alteh Heim in Europe, told me once that before WWll, pet ownership was not unusual. People owned dogs for security and protection reasons and cats for pest control. It was a normal, accepted part of life. I was also told by an English friend,… Read more »

Grateful
November 14, 2022 2:28 pm

We got our German shepherd at the start of Covid. She is loyal and protective. Great with my grandkids. We walk mikes everyday because of her. I’ll take her over most of the people I know.

What?
November 14, 2022 7:31 pm

Uhm. Thanks for the permission. You obviously never had a pet. As someone said before they are so therapeutic and loyal. All the people are pressing dislike are the people who are rediocously terrified of dogs/anypet

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