Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Dog Leash Laws by State: 2025 State-by-State Requirements

Dog walker strides with his pet on leash while walking at street pavement

Keeping your dog on a leash is one of the best ways to keep your dog, other dogs, and other people safe while you’re outside. As a general rule, it’s best practice to keep your dog leashed at all times when out in public areas. However, different states have their laws for keeping dogs leashed as well as their ways of enforcing these laws.

We’ve provided a list with basic information on dog leash laws in each state. However, keep in mind that many states defer dog leash rules and regulations to individual municipalities. So, it’s best to contact a specific municipality to get the most updated information on their policies and how they enforce dog leash laws.

dogster face divider

How Are Dog Leash Laws Classified?

There is no federal law for leashing dogs, and it’s up to individual states to decide if they want to have official state leash laws. Therefore, states have varying leash laws and different methods of enforcing them.

In most cases, state leash laws can be placed in six categories:

  • Leash required at all times
  • Running at large/roaming
  • Leashes in parks, state grounds, or wildlife areas
  • Rabies quarantine
  • Leashing female dogs in heat
  • Leashing at night

We’ll go over each type of leash law and which states enforce each type of law.

professional trainer holding the leash of the puppy in training session
Image Credit: Svitlana Hulko, Shutterstock

dogster face divider

The 6 Types of Dog Leash Laws

1. Leash Required at All Times

Some states require dogs to be leashed whenever they’re away from their owners or be under control when their owners aren’t on their property. It’s rare to be in a state that has this type of law, and Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee are currently the three states that require dogs to always be under the control of their owners.

These states do have some exceptions to this leash law. Certain dogs, including working dogs and guard dogs, don’t have to be leashed while they’re engaged in their designated activity or job. Michigan dog leash laws allow hunting dogs to be off-leash during hunting season while they’re hunting with their owners.


2. Running at Large

Many states have laws regarding dogs running at large and roaming around. Some states have statewide restrictions on roaming, while others leave it to their municipalities to create and enforce their laws. For example, dog leash laws in Texas include a statewide law for roaming dogs, while the Florida leash law for dogs leaves it up to each county, city, and municipality to make and enforce their dog roaming laws.

Dogs that are caught roaming beyond their owner’s premises may be subject to impoundment. Some states may also consider dogs running around and not responding to their owner’s voice commands as dogs that are running at large.

The following states have laws regarding dogs running at large:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming
Woman holding a Saint Bernard on a leash
Image Credit: SasaStock, Shutterstock

3. Leashes in Parks, State Grounds, or Wildlife Areas

Most states don’t have leash laws for dogs in public areas and leave it up to local governments to make them. However, even states with looser leash laws have the majority of their cities and towns enforce rules that protect parks and local wildlife. For example, California dog leash laws are quite loose, but many towns still enforce stricter leash laws for parks and other public spaces.

The following states have statewide laws for leashes in parks, state grounds, or wildlife areas:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Delaware
  • Massachusetts
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New York
  • Oklahoma
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • West Virginia

4. Rabies Quarantine

Some states have a law that requires all dogs to be confined if a rabies quarantine order has been issued. This means that dogs aren’t allowed to roam and must be confined to their owner’s property. They also must remain leashed throughout the rabies quarantine order.

These states have statewide laws for rabies quarantine orders:

  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • New Hampshire
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
vizsla dog lying down indoors near a fireplace
Image Credit: mveldhuizen, Shutterstock

5. Leashing Female Dogs in Heat

Although uncommon, states can enforce a law that keeps female dogs leashed or restrained while they’re in heat. This law can be set in place for safety reasons or to lower the stray dog population. It can be enforced by not allowing female dogs to roam and to make sure they’re leashed and controlled when in public areas.

The following states have laws for leashing female dogs in heat:

  • Arizona
  • District of Columbia
  • Hawaii
  • Kentucky
  • Maryland
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania

6. Leashing at Night

Lastly, states can enforce leash laws for nighttime. States that enforce these types of laws typically won’t allow dogs to be outside or roam around after sunset. Dogs must either be leashed or supervised by their owners.

Only a handful of states have statewide laws for leashing or confining dogs at night:

  • Kentucky
  • Michigan
  • New York
  • North Carolina
owner walking outside the dog at night
Image Credit: Jenson, Shutterstock

dogster face divider

States With No Statewide Dog Leash Laws

In some cases, states won’t have any statewide dog leash laws. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can let your dog be off-leash without any consequences. These states may not have state laws, but they’ll leave it up to cities and towns to make and enforce their dog leash laws instead.

The following states don’t have any statewide dog leash laws in place:

  • Alaska
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • North Dakota
  • Vermont

dogster face divider

Conclusion

Most states have some sort of dog leash law. However, many of them leave it up to individual cities and towns to enforce leash laws. So, different cities in the same state could have distinct dog leash laws.

It’s best practice just to keep your dog leashed whenever you’re out in public with them. Not only will this prevent you from getting fined, but it’ll also help keep your dog safe from unfamiliar dogs. If your dog enjoys walking around off-leash, make sure to check with the local municipality to ensure you have the most updated and accurate information on its dog leash laws.


Featured Image Credit: alexei_tm, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

One Response

  1. Dogs should be on leash all times otherwise go to zoo and live

    Because the dogs are scary to live around.

    Thank you.
    Amy.

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

12 Best Gifts for Dog Lovers in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

You’re almost sure to make dog lovers happy when you give them dog-related presents. The market for gifts for dog lovers is booming,...

Does a Border Collie Have Webbed Feet? Facts & Benefits

Border Collies are affectionate, active, athletic, and intelligent. They are also highly energetic, caring, and protective of their families. Due to their fun-loving,...

Is a Coyote a Type of Dog? Can They Be Domesticated? (Vet-Verified FAQs & Facts)

The coyote is a wild animal native to the United States and can be found almost anywhere, especially if you live in a...

What Is the Best Therapy Animal? Types, Benefits & More

Most loving pet owners will often go the distance for their pet’s needs—feeding them, bathing them, and giving them a nice and comfortable...

More related

Why Does My Dog Leave Food on the Floor? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

When dogs leave food all over the floor, it can be somewhat perplexing. After all, dogs are supposed to enjoy eating their food,...

Can Dogs Be Bilingual? Vet-Reviewed Communication Facts

Dogs are intelligent animals with a knack for communicating effectively with humans. While they can’t speak verbally, they can gather information by observing...

120+ Dog Names Starting With E for Your Energetic Pup

If you’ve decided to welcome a new dog into your life, one of the first decisions you must make is to name them....

10 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Laguna Beach, CA You Can Visit in 2025

Laguna Beach, California, is Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego and is known for its miles of gorgeous coastline, thriving local...

Keep reading

11 Best Foods for a Corgi Puppy in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Congratulations on your new Corgi puppy! These affectionate, medium-sized dogs are an excellent addition to any household. You want the best for your corgi, starting with the right puppy food. If you’re overwhelmed by all of the pet food brands...

Hungry Welsh corgi Pembroke or cardigan puppy eats from ceramic bowl standing on fleecy carpet

Where Is Taste of the Wild Dog Food Made? Manufacturing Locations

With growing concerns surrounding the safety of pet food and some countries lacking laws that apply to the regulation of pet food manufacturing, a lot of United States-based pet owners are on the hunt for foods that are manufactured right...

brown dog eating its food

How to Choose a Dog Food: 5 Vet-Approved Tips & Advice

As crucial as it is for your pet’s health, picking the best dog food is rarely easy. Several exceptional products are available, but wading through the complicated labels, brand messages, and marketing tactics can leave even the savviest consumer confused...

young woman shopping for pet food

Can You Mix Wet and Dry Dog Food? Vet-Verified Pros & Cons

Do you ever mix wet and dry dog food together? Many people do, but is it a good idea? Some pet owners believe that mixing the two will provide their canine companions with a more well-rounded diet. However, others think...

Wet and dry pet food made of natural ingredients

Nutro vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food: Our 2025 Comparison

Choosing the best food for your dog can be tricky, given the quality of kibbles available today. Nutro and Blue Buffalo are well-regarded pet food brands that have many fans, not only canine but also human. They both offer a...

Dogster_Dog Food Nutro VS Blue Buffalo

Can Dogs Eat Granola? Vet-Reviewed Health & Nutrition Info

Dogs technically can eat plain granola but only in moderation. It isn’t toxic in most cases, but it isn’t exactly healthy either. Granola can contain all sorts of ingredients, and some of these are not safe for dogs. For instance,...

Can Dogs Eat Granola

Can Dogs Eat Ice Cream? Vet-Verified Health & Safety Guide

Ice cream is a yummy treat many people enjoy, especially during the hot summer months. For dog owners, it’s common to see their pooches begging for a taste, watching on with pleading, imploring eyes, hoping a scoop will suddenly head...

Can Dogs Eat Ice Cream

10 Best Dog Treats for Small Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Don’t bother expecting a small dog to act their size. Whether they’re stirring up trouble against a dog twice their weight or consuming enough food to feed a Saint Bernard, small dogs will find a way to make their presence...

woman feeding her dog a treat seated in stone stairs