In unincorporated Sarasota County, dogs and cats may not run at large on public streets, sidewalks, other public property, or a neighbor's property unless leashed. Animal Services officers may impound loose animals.
Sarasota County Code Ch. 14, Art. II (Animal Control) governs the unincorporated county. Section 14-41 requires dogs and cats to be leashed whenever on public streets, sidewalks, other public property, or the property of another. Exceptions apply to dogs actively engaged in authorized, supervised hunting, dogs used by law enforcement, and dogs used to work livestock in rural-designated areas. Officers are authorized to impound any dog or cat found at large. Incorporated cities (Sarasota, Venice, North Port, Longboat Key) set their own leash rules.
Loose animals may be impounded and the owner charged reclaim and civil-citation fees. Repeat or nuisance violations escalate under the county animal-control ordinance.
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