Cowlitz County, WA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length
- Maximum eight feet, within dog control zones only
- Zone formation
- Petition of 15+ households, 51% voter signatures
- Petition fee
- $100.00 (§ 6.12.090)
- Exemption
- Lawful hunting, competition or training activity
- Outside a zone
- No countywide leash law applies
Summary
Outside city limits, Cowlitz County only requires dogs to be leashed within designated "dog control zones" created by petition under CCC § 6.12.080. Inside those zones, CCC § 6.12.110 bars a dog from roaming off its owner's premises unless controlled by a leash or chain no longer than eight feet.
It is unlawful for the owner of any dog to permit or allow such dog to roam, run, stray or be away from the premises of such owner and to be in any public place or on any public property or private property of another person within the boundaries of the zones established pursuant to this chapter, unless such dog, while away from such premises, is controlled by a leash or chain, not more than eight feet in length; such control to be exercised by the owner or other competent and authorized person. Any dog found roaming, running, straying or being off such premises and not on a leash as required herein is a public nuisance and such dog may be seized and impounded pursuant to CCC § 6.12.220
Full Breakdown
110 provides that it is unlawful for the owner of any dog to permit or allow such dog to roam, run, stray or be away from the premises of such owner and to be in any public place or on any public or private property of another person within the boundaries of the zones established pursuant to this chapter, unless the dog is controlled by a leash or chain, not more than eight feet in length. 090. 040(A)(2) separately bars a dog from chasing, snapping at or menacing people or vehicles off its owner's property. 110(A) exempts dogs engaged in lawful hunting, competition, exhibition or training. "
Violations & Fines
A dog found off-leash within a dog control zone may be seized and impounded under § 6.12.220, and violations of Chapter 6.12 CCC generally are prosecuted as civil infractions under §§ 6.12.250 through 6.12.270 before the Cowlitz County District Court, with an owner given 15 days to pay, contest, or request a mitigation hearing before the Court enters a default penalty order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cowlitz County require dogs to be leashed everywhere?
How do residents create a dog control zone?
What happens to a dog caught off-leash in a zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cowlitz County
Compare Cowlitz County to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.