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Cary, NC Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

At-large ban
Unlawful town-wide
Off-leash exception
Designated Cary Dog Parks only
Enforcement
Impoundment under § 6-134
Max fine
$500 per violation

Summary

The Town of Cary makes it unlawful to let a domestic animal run at large in town or on town property, with dogs allowed off-leash only in designated Cary dog parks, in Wake County, North Carolina.

It is unlawful for the owner of any domestic animal to allow such animal to be at large in the town or on any town property except that dogs may be unleashed in approved, designated areas inside Town of Cary Dog Parks.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).

Full Breakdown

Cary Code of Ordinances § 6-65 flatly prohibits owners from allowing any domestic animal to be at large in the town or on town property. The only carve-out is for dogs inside approved, designated off-leash areas within Town of Cary Dog Parks. Outside those designated areas, dogs and other domestic animals must be leashed or otherwise restrained whenever off the owner's property, and animals at large repeatedly can separately be declared a public nuisance under § 6-71(a)(4).

Violations & Fines

Allowing an animal at large violates § 6-65; the animal may be impounded under § 6-134, and the owner faces the Code's general penalty of up to a $500 fine under § 1-9.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dogs have to be on a leash in Cary, NC?
Yes, everywhere except inside designated off-leash areas at Town of Cary Dog Parks, per Code § 6-65.
What happens if my dog is found at large in Cary?
It can be impounded under § 6-134, and you can be cited for a Code violation carrying up to a $500 fine.

Sources & Official References

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All Cary rules

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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Wake County handle dog leash laws.

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