Boise, ID Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash required
- In all public places
- At-large ban
- Streets, alleys, private property
- Off-leash exception
- City-designated training areas only
- Repeat violations
- Escalating penalties, impoundment
Summary
Boise requires dogs to be leashed in public and bans letting a dog run at large on city streets, alleys, or private property without consent.
B. Leash Requirements: All dogs must be restrained by a leash in public except as provided in this chapter... D. Dog Running At Large Prohibited: Any person who owns, harbors, or has in his or her control a dog which animal is found at large upon the City's streets, alleys, or public places, or upon any other private premises without the consent of the person in possession of such premises, is responsible for such animal being at large and is in violation of this section, except: ...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise City Code § 5-1-7(B) requires every dog in public to be restrained by a leash substantial enough for its size, with a handler capable of controlling it. Subsection D separately bans letting a dog run at large on city streets, alleys, or other public places, or on private property without the possessor's consent, with narrow exceptions for security/police dogs, service dogs, dogs in City-designated off-leash areas, and dogs legally hunting or working livestock. Voice/whistle control substitutes for a leash only in City-designated training and exercise grounds under subsection C.
Violations & Fines
At-large violations under subsection D carry escalating penalties for repeat offenses and the dog may be impounded; general misdemeanor code offenses are fined up to $1,000 and/or up to 6 months in jail under § 1-4-1(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash if it obeys voice commands?
What happens if my dog gets loose in Boise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
Compare Boise to another location·View the Idaho animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.