Aurora, CO Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Off-property leash
- Max 10 feet
- On-property tether
- Min 6 feet
- Off-leash exception
- City off-leash dog parks
- Governing law
- Aurora City Code § 14-5
Summary
Aurora requires dogs off their owner's property to be leashed with a cord, cable, or chain no longer than 10 feet, held by someone able to control the animal.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog or other animal to fail to keep the dog or other animal from running at large within the city. For the purposes of this chapter, an animal shall be deemed running at large when such animal is not physically restrained as follows:
(1) When the animal is being restrained by tethering upon the premises of the owner, it must have a cord, cable or chain that is a minimum of six feet in length. The animal must not be able to enter upon public property, including sidewalks, or the premises of another. Any cord, cable or chain must be anchored in a manner to prevent tangling or shortening of the cord, cable or chain and must prevent strangulation of the animal. Any animal off the premises of the owner shall be restrained by a leash, cord or chain a maximum of 10 feet in length, held by a person who is physically able to control the animal.
(2) For the purposes of this chapter, the term "premises of the owner" shall be defined as the residence of the owner, including the attached property surrounding the residence that is leased or owned by the owner, but not including any common area, park or recreational property jointly owned or leased by the members of a homeowners' or tenants' association, or any public easement or right-of-way.
(3) No animal shall be deemed to be running at large when the animal is upon the premises of the owner.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-30, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 14-5, it is unlawful for an owner to let a dog or other animal run at large in Aurora, Colorado. An animal is restrained, not at large, only while on the owner's premises, tethered there on a cord/cable/chain at least six feet long anchored to prevent tangling or strangulation, enclosed in the owner's vehicle, or off-leash inside a city-dedicated off-leash dog park. Anywhere else off the owner's property, the animal must be on a leash, cord, or chain no more than 10 feet long, held by a person physically able to control it. "Premises of the owner" excludes common areas, HOA/tenant-association property, and public rights-of-way, so a leashed dog in a shared yard or on a sidewalk still counts as at large if not on a proper leash.
Violations & Fines
First conviction triggers penalties under § 1-13 and requires the owner to obtain a city license; a second conviction involving the same animal also requires spay/neuter and microchipping unless a vet certifies it would harm the animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog's leash be in Aurora, Colorado?
Can my dog be off-leash in my own yard in Aurora?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Arapahoe County handle dog leash laws.