Chatham County, GA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Chatham County Code Chapter 22 (Animal Control), Article I, Section 22-103 governs dogs at large. Section 22-103(b) makes it unlawful for the owner of any dog to permit the dog to run at large. 'At large' is defined as any dog not under manual control of a person and on any public road or on property not belonging to the owner without the property owner's permission. The same subsection states that a dog off a leash, even with the owner present, is not permitted within unincorporated county parks, playgrounds, county-owned facilities, cemeteries, schools, or similar areas. Section 22-103(c) prohibits retractable leashes longer than 6 feet (in the unlocked position) at any permitted gathering, including parades, farmers markets, and outdoor festivals. Section 22-208 prohibits single-point tethering; only a trolley system is permitted. Section 22-201 requires dogs and cats four months or older to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed through Savannah-Chatham Animal Services. Article III (Sections 22-301 to 22-307) addresses Classified (dangerous) Dogs, requiring proper enclosure, muzzle, and substantial chain or leash with physical restraint by a responsible person. Georgia's Responsible Dog Ownership Law (O.C.G.A. §4-8-20 et seq., including §4-8-29) sets statewide minimums in addition to these county rules.