Fargo, ND Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Max leash length
- 6 feet
- Habitually at large threshold
- 3 convictions in 2 years
- Surrender deadline after order
- 7 days
- Enforcement
- Fargo Police Department
Summary
Fargo requires dogs off their owner's property to be on a leash no longer than six feet, or the owner faces a running-at-large violation.
Every person having the custody or control of any dog or cat shall prevent said animal from leaving the property limits of its owner or keeper without being effectively restrained by a chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length, or, within a vehicle being driven or parked on the street. In the event any such dog or cat is found at large, the owner, custodian or keeper of such animal shall be guilty of a violation of this section.
B. Every person having custody or control of a leashed animal on property other than his own shall be equipped to, and collect said animal's solid waste when eliminated.
C. Intentionally left blank.
D. Every female dog or cat in heat shall be kept confined in a building or secure enclosure or in a veterinary hospital or boarding kennel in such manner that such dog or cat cannot come in contact with another dog or cat except for breeding purposes.
E. Animal Habitually at Large:
1. "Habitually at large" is defined as 3 or more convictions of Fargo Municipal Code section 12-0105 (A) or an equivalent offense of another jurisdiction for the specific animal, within 2 years.
2. Whenever there is reasonable cause to believe an animal is habitually at large, an application may be presented to the Fargo Municipal Court for a finding that the animal is habitually at large.
3. After receiving evidence at a hearing on the matter, the Municipal Court shall enter
Full Breakdown
Fargo Municipal Code § 12-0105(A) bars any dog or cat from leaving its owner's property unless effectively restrained by a chain or leash not exceeding six feet, or riding in a vehicle. Owners of leashed animals on someone else's property must also carry the means to pick up the animal's waste under § 12-0105(B). Three or more at-large convictions within two years lets the city petition Municipal Court to declare the animal "habitually at large" and order it surrendered to the Fargo Police Department; ignoring that surrender order within seven days is a Class B misdemeanor under § 12-0105(E).
Violations & Fines
Running at large is a violation; failing to surrender an animal after a habitually-at-large court order (within 7 days) is a Class B misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash in my own yard in Fargo?
What counts as effective restraint under Fargo's law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fargo
Compare Fargo to another location·View the North Dakota animal ordinances overview
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