Bellingham, WA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- "under control," not leash-specific
- Fine
- up to $250 infraction
- Exception
- city off-leash training areas
- Uncontrolled dog
- may be impounded immediately
Summary
Bellingham requires every dog off its owner's premises to be 'under control', restrained enough to prevent contact with people, animals, or vehicles, with roaming or straying dogs subject to a $250 infraction fine.
It is unlawful for the owner of any dog to cause, permit, or allow such dog to roam, run, stray, or to be away from the premises of such owner unless the dog is “under control” as defined in BMC 7.04.030.
D. It is unlawful for the owner or handler of any dog to fail to remove fecal matter deposited by their animal on public property or public easement before the owner leaves the immediate area where the fecal matter was deposited.
E. It is unlawful for the owner or handler of any dog to fail to have in their possession the equipment necessary to remove their dog’s fecal matter when accompanied by said dog on public property or public easement.
F. It is unlawful for the owner or keeper of any dog to permit such dog to enter a place where food is stored, prepared, served or sold to the public, provided this section shall not apply to dogs trained to aid the handicapped.
G. It is unlawful to harbor or keep a dog which by frequent or habitual howls, barks, or other loud noises, unreasonably annoys or disturbs another resident in the immediate neighborhood.
H. It is unlawful for the owner or keeper of any dog to allow such dog to chase cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or any other vehicle. [Ord. 10468 § 2, 1993].
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
BMC 7.08.110(C) makes it unlawful for an owner to let a dog roam, run, stray, or leave the owner's premises unless it is "under control," a term BMC 7.04.030 defines as restrained to the handler's immediate proximity so it cannot contact another animal or person, trespass, or chase wildlife or vehicles: a dog is presumed not under control if injury, harassment, trespass, or damage occurs. The rule doesn't require a physical leash in city-designated off-leash training or exercise areas, but everywhere else an uncontrolled dog can be impounded under BMC 7.08.060(A)(1).
Violations & Fines
Letting a dog run loose off its owner's property is an infraction fined up to $250 under BMC 7.08.110, and the dog can be impounded on the spot under BMC 7.08.060.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bellingham require dogs to be on a leash?
What happens if my dog gets loose in Bellingham?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
Compare Bellingham to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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