Pennsylvania Leash Laws

Pennsylvania is one of the few states with a statewide rule that keeps dogs from running at large, and cities and counties can add stricter leash rules on top of it.

Pennsylvania leash law at a glance

What Pennsylvania state law says

• 3 P.S. 459-305 requires confinement, secure restraint or reasonable control (MSU leash table).
• A licensed dog may not be transported without a current tag on its collar or harness, with exceptions (459-213).

Local leash ordinances

In practice, the leash rule you need to follow is usually your city or county ordinance. Local codes typically require a leash or other physical control in public places, allow off-leash play only in designated areas, and set fines for dogs at large.

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 Pennsylvania 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: Pennsylvania dog laws
2. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: State dog leash laws