Atlanta, GA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash limit
- 6 feet max (Fulton portion)
- Applies to
- Fulton County portion of Atlanta
- Enforcement
- Fulton County Sheriff's deputies
- Max fine
- $1,000 per violation, § 1-8
- DeKalb portion
- different rule, no set length
Summary
Across most of Atlanta, which lies in Fulton County, dogs cannot leave their owner's property unless secured on a leash no more than six feet long and under the control of a competent person; running at large violates the city code.
It shall be unlawful for the owner, custodian or harborer of any dog to allow or permit such dog to leave the premises of the owner or other person having custody of the dog unless such dog is securely under leash; said leash being not more than six feet long, and under the control of a competent person.
Full Breakdown
Atlanta Code of Ordinances § 18-124(b)(1) bars dogs from leaving the owner's premises in the Fulton County portion of Atlanta, most of the city, unless leashed on a line no longer than six feet and held by a competent person, or confined by fence, wall, or a working electronic containment system. Unattended tethering is banned; a tether can restrain a dog only temporarily while the owner is present. Fulton County Sheriff's deputies enforce this article. The smaller DeKalb County portion runs under § 18-62/18-63 instead, requiring only that a dog stay 'under control', leashed, at heel, or on the owner's property, with no specific leash-length limit.
Violations & Fines
Violating the leash/at-large rule is a Code violation under § 1-8, punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to six months' penalties, and impoundment of the dog under § 18-190.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Atlanta's six-foot leash limit apply everywhere in the city?
Can my dog be off-leash in my own yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Atlanta
Compare Atlanta to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle dog leash laws.