Boise, ID Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Basis
- Behavior, not breed
- Registration deadline
- 7 business days
- Liability coverage
- $250,000 (or $20,000)
- Enclosure fence height
- 6 feet, locked
- Off-property leash
- Max 3 feet
Summary
Boise regulates dogs by behavior, not breed: there is no breed-specific ban. A dog is declared dangerous or potentially dangerous only after a bite, attack, or fighting history.
Dangerous dog means any dog that: 1. Without justified provocation, has inflicted serious injury or kills a person on public or private property... 5. The animal is owned or harbored for the purpose of fighting or has been trained to fight.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 5-1-11 defines a dangerous dog as one that seriously injures or kills a person or animal without provocation, has previously been found potentially dangerous and then bites again, or is kept for fighting. A potentially dangerous dog is one that bites without causing serious injury. No breed is named or presumed dangerous under this section. Once declared, an owner has 7 business days to register the dog, carry $250,000 (or $20,000 for animal-only injuries) in liability coverage, and keep it in a 6-foot securely locked enclosure or on a leash no longer than 3 feet off-property.
Violations & Fines
Unregistered, uninsured, unconfined, or unmicrochipped dangerous dogs are seized by a Humane Officer and, after a 5-business-day wait, destroyed. Enhanced fines apply to repeat violations under the City's Master Fines and Fees Schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Boise ban pit bulls or other breeds?
What happens if a dangerous dog is found unconfined?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
How Boise compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Boise to another location·View the Idaho animal ordinances overview
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