Clark County, WA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash required
- In designated leash-law areas
- Max leash length
- 9 feet
- At large
- Declared a public nuisance
- Off-leash
- Only in designated areas, vocal control
- Max fine
- $1,000 (misdemeanor)
Summary
In designated leash-law areas of unincorporated Clark County, dogs off the owner's premises must be controlled by a leash. Any dog running at large (off the owner's property) is declared a public nuisance and may be seized and impounded.
It is unlawful for the owner or custodian of any dog to cause, permit, or allow such dog to roam, run, stray or be away from the premises of such owner or custodian... within the boundaries of a leash law area... unless such dog be controlled by a leash.
Full Breakdown
Clark County Code 8.15.020 makes it unlawful to let a dog roam, run, stray, or be away from your premises onto any public place or another's private property within a leash-law area unless controlled by a leash held by the owner, custodian, or other competent person. CCC 8.11.060(7) separately declares any dog that runs at large, off the owner's property, a public nuisance. "Leash" is defined in 8.01.020(21) as a cord, thong, or chain not more than nine feet long. Dogs may run off-leash only in areas the public works director designates, where they must stay under vocal control and not create a nuisance.
Violations & Fines
Nuisance/at-large violation is a misdemeanor (CCC 8.19.020): fine up to $1,000, and the dog may be seized and impounded, redeemable per Chapter 8.19. A civil penalty applies to first violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the whole county require a leash?
Can my dog be off-leash at a park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
Compare Clark County to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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