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Chattanooga, TN Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

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

Key Facts

Rule
Animals must be restrained, under control
Exception
Registered community/feral cats exempt
Repeat offense
2nd impound requires microchip + alter
In heat
Females must be confined during estrus

Summary

Chattanooga bans letting any dog, cat, or other animal run loose and unrestrained; animals caught at large more than once a year can't be reclaimed until microchipped and spayed or neutered.

It shall be unlawful for any person to allow any animal belonging to him, under his care, or habitually found on premises occupied by him or immediately under his control to go unrestrained or be allowed to be not directly under control. This section shall not apply to any Community Cats or Feral Cats in the City. Any animal found running at large in violation of this section is declared to be a nuisance and liable to seizure and disposal as provided in this chapter.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Chattanooga City Code § 7-36(a) makes it unlawful to let an animal go unrestrained or outside the owner's direct control, except for registered Community Cats or Feral Cats; any animal running at large is declared a nuisance subject to seizure. Under § 7-36(b), an animal impounded at large more than once in a 12-month period can't be redeemed until it is both microchipped and spayed or neutered at the owner's expense, unless a veterinarian confirms the procedure would harm the animal. Female dogs and cats in heat must also be confined during their estrous period.

Violations & Fines

A first at-large violation risks impoundment and redemption fees; a second within 12 months forces mandatory microchipping and spay/neuter before the animal can be reclaimed from the Animal Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my dog be off-leash in Chattanooga?
No. § 7-36(a) requires every animal to be restrained or under direct control; a loose animal is declared a nuisance and can be seized by Animal Services.
What happens if my dog gets caught at large twice?
Under § 7-36(b), a second at-large impoundment within 12 months means the animal cannot be redeemed until it's microchipped and spayed or neutered at your expense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chattanooga

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsWildlife Rescue PermitsSome RestrictionsCat RulesLight RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionHeavy RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsPet LimitsSignificant RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Chattanooga rules

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