Caldwell, ID Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Caldwell City Code section 08-03-17(1) makes it unlawful for any animal, canine or livestock owned or possessed by an individual to be at large upon the roads, streets or alleys of the City or any public place of the City, or upon any premises other than its own, and the rule applies regardless of whether the animal is licensed or not. Section 08-03-05 defines 'at large' as an animal off the premises of its owner and not under the immediate control of the owner or member of the owner's household, either by leash, cord, chain or other means of physical restraint.

Together the two sections function as Caldwell's leash law: a dog off its own property must be actively restrained by an owner or household member, not merely accompanied. The same article separately requires owners to confine a female canine in heat under section 08-03-17(2) and to keep herded or driven animals on a rope, strap or similar lead under section 08-03-17(3). Animal control officers are authorized under section 08-03-19 to apprehend and impound any canine, animal or livestock found running at large, and a dangerous animal found at large that cannot safely be taken up may be destroyed by law enforcement personnel under that same impounding section.