District of Columbia Leash Laws

The District of Columbia has a District-wide rule that keeps dogs from running at large.

District of Columbia leash law at a glance

What D.C. law says

• D.C. Code 8-1808 prohibits allowing a pet to run at large.
• "At large" means off the owner's premises and not leashed, tethered or under adequate control (8-1801(9)).
• Dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs must be on a leash of 4 feet or less outside their enclosure (8-1905).
• Owners may not direct a dog to bite or attack, except in defense of property and for police dogs (8-1808(l)).

Parks and dog parks

In the District, the at-large rule excludes designated dog parks, and dogs on school grounds and public recreation areas must be leashed or under control. Parks and trails may post their own rules too.

Staying on the right side of the law

• Keep your dog leashed in public unless you are in a posted off-leash area.
• Make sure your dog wears a current license and rabies tag, since a loose dog without tags is the one most likely to be impounded.
• If your dog has been declared dangerous, stricter leash, muzzle and enclosure rules apply; see the dangerous dog section of District of Columbia dog bite laws.
• A dog that runs loose and injures someone can create liability for the owner, so a leash is also your best protection.
• Leash training makes compliance easy; a local dog trainer can help with pulling and recall.

Sources

1. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: District of Columbia dog laws
2. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: State dog leash laws