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Ada County, ID Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Applies to
Unincorporated Ada County
Leash length
6 feet or less
Running at large
Infraction
Collar/tag
Required at all times
Off-leash
Only in designated county grounds

Summary

In unincorporated Ada County it is an infraction to let a dog run at large. "At large" means off the owner's premises and not restrained by a leash, cord, or chain not exceeding 6 feet. Loose dogs may be impounded.

City-specific rules exist: Boise has its own dog leash laws rules that differ from Ada County's county-level regulations. If you live in Boise, check the city-specific page instead.

Dogs running at large: Notwithstanding the following subsections, it shall be an infraction for any owner to allow a dog(s) to run At Large, as defined above. Impoundment: The Animal Control Agency may impound any dog found running-at-large and there is no owner present, subject to redemption in the manner as provided for in this chapter.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Ada County Code 5-7-8 makes it an infraction for any owner to allow a dog to run at large. "At large" (5-7-2) means a domesticated animal off or away from the owner's premises and not under control by leash, cord, or chain (not to exceed 6 feet), by confinement, within a vehicle, or otherwise restrained under a competent attendant. Every dog must wear a durable collar or harness with its license tag attached. Owners relying on a fence must keep it in repair; a defective fence that lets a dog escape can add a separate citation. Off-leash voice control is allowed only in county-designated training/exercise grounds. Inside Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Kuna, or Star, the city's leash ordinance governs.

Violations & Fines

Running at large is an infraction. Loose dogs with no owner present may be impounded, subject to redemption; owner pays impound and boarding fees (5-7-8, 5-7-17).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a leash legally required everywhere?
A dog must be leashed (6 ft max) or otherwise restrained whenever off the owner's premises, except in county-designated off-leash training or exercise areas under voice control.
Can my dog be impounded for being loose?
Yes. Animal Control may impound any dog found running at large with no owner present, subject to redemption after you pay impound and boarding fees.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Ada County

Cat RulesSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionSignificant RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Ada County rules

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Dog Leash Laws in Cities Across Ada County

Boise, ID