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

Caldwell's animal control chapter (City Code Title 8, Article 3) addresses dogs running at large in section 08-03-17, 'Running At Large; Animal Confinement.' The ordinance directs that persons keeping animals, livestock, pets, and companion animals keep them confined to the owner's property in enclosures strong enough to prevent the animal from entering another person's premises, sidewalks, streets, or alleys, unless the animal is accompanied by its owner and contained on a leash or similar device. The same section also requires owners of a female canine in heat to confine her in an enclosure unless restrained and under immediate control. Caldwell's animal control services are provided by the Caldwell Police Department within the incorporated city limits. Layered on top of the city rule, Idaho Code section 25-2805 makes it an infraction for an owner to willfully or negligently permit a dog to run at large within city limits without a competent and responsible attendant, or to fail to keep the dog securely confined to the owner's premises when not under immediate care and control. Because the precise leash length and any breed-neutral handling details are set by ordinance rather than reproduced here, owners should confirm current text with the city. Penalties follow the city's general penalty provisions and, under state law, the infraction schedule in Idaho Code 18-113A.