Detroit Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, Article II requires every dog off its owner's property to be held by a leash or otherwise under restraint. Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) enforces leash, licensing, and dangerous-animal provisions citywide.
Detroit's dog-restraint rule is codified at Chapter 6 (Animal Care, Control, and Regulation), Article II, Section 6-2-6 of the Detroit City Code. It is unlawful to allow a dog to stray on public or private property other than the owner's own, unless held by a leash or under restraint. Working police dogs are exempt. Article II also requires every dog four months or older to be licensed and currently vaccinated against rabies. Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC), part of the General Services Department, runs enforcement, impoundment, and licensing at 7401 Chrysler Drive. Dangerous-dog leash and muzzle obligations are separately governed under the 2021 Dangerous Animals Ordinance.
Off-leash, unlicensed, or unvaccinated dogs may be impounded by DACC and the owner cited under Chapter 6. Civil fines escalate for repeat violations; dangerous-dog adjudications carry confinement and muzzle requirements plus criminal liability for serious bites.
Detroit, MI
Detroit's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict the number, size, or style of residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays. Re...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no specific ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays (giant snowmen, pumpkins, Santas). Restrictions, if any, come from priva...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no citywide ordinance restricting the time of year, brightness, or duration of residential holiday lights. Restrictions arise mainly from Local H...
Detroit, MI
A built-in outdoor kitchen in Detroit requires separate trade permits from BSEED for any gas line, electrical, or plumbing work, plus a building permit if it...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no ordinance specifically regulating residential offset smokers or pellet grills. The City's nuisance and air-quality provisions (Detroit Code Ch...
Detroit, MI
Detroit follows the International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted by Michigan. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame and charcoal cooking on combustible balcon...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wayne County.
See how other cities in Wayne County handle dog leash laws.
See how Detroit's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.