Ann Arbor, MI Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash required
- Off-owner's-property, unless in vehicle
- On-property exception
- No leash needed there
- Maximum fine
- $500 civil infraction
- Impoundment
- Authorized immediately, § 9:48(1)
Summary
Ann Arbor requires dogs to be leashed, tethered, or confined on the owner's property; a dog not under this 'reasonable control' can be cited and impounded on the spot.
Under reasonable control. A dog which is:(a)Secured by a leash held by the owner or a person having custody or possession of a dog;(b)Secured by a leash which is attached to a stationary object and attended by the owner or person having custody or possession of a dog; or(c)On the premises of the owner or person having custody or possession of a dog or confined in a vehicle.(d)On the premises of a dog play area as designated by the Community Services Area Administrator or designee and upon approval by City Council.(8)Vicious animal. An animal that without provocation or justification:(a)Bites or attacks a person and causes a person serious bodily injury, including, but not limited to, injuries resulting in hospital confinement, reconstructive surgery, or impairment of a bodily function.(b)Repeatedly bites or in any way injures people or a domestic animal. (Ord. No. 59-88, § 1, 12-19-88; Ord. No. 25-93, § 1, 8-16-93; Ord. No. 16-07, § 1, 6-18-07; Ord. No. 27-07, § 1, 8-6-07; Ord. No. 08-19, § 3, 6-2-08, eff. 8-7-08; Ord. No. 21-28, § 9, 9-20-21)
9:46. - Dog licenses.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
Under § 9:45(7), a dog is 'under reasonable control' only if it is on a leash held by its handler, leashed to a stationary object with an attendant present, or confined on the owner's premises or in a vehicle (a designated dog play area also counts). Letting a dog run loose outside these terms violates § 9:47(1), a civil infraction, and an animal control officer may impound any dog not under reasonable control immediately under § 9:48(1), no separate warning is required by the text.
Violations & Fines
Civil infraction, fine up to $500 under § 9:47(1); the dog may also be impounded on the spot under § 9:48(1).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog need a leash in my own yard in Ann Arbor?
What happens if my dog is caught off-leash in Ann Arbor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
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