Grand Junction, CO Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

GJMC § 6.12.040(a) requires every dog owner, or anyone who harbors, keeps or is custodian of a dog, to confine it, physically, mechanically or electronically, so that it cannot leave the premises or be at large, and separately bars letting the dog run at large; any dog off the owner's premises must be under the owner's leash control. Section 6.12.020 defines a leash as a chain, cord or tether not more than 10 feet long that is securely attached to and capable of restraining the dog, and defines 'at large' as being off the owner's premises and not under the owner's direct physical control by leash, with narrow exceptions such as a dog working livestock or retrieving game in season that do not apply in downtown Grand Junction or the North Avenue corridor.

Section 6.12.040(b) separately bars a dog from running loose in the common areas of a multi-occupancy building, mobile home complex, apartment or condominium development, or open space in a subdivision or park, unless the property owner or public authorities allow it off leash, and bars dogs in the permitted area of a downtown special event without posted permission. Under § 6.12.040(d), it is prima facie evidence a dog is running at large if it is out of its owner's sight or on public or private property without the owner's consent.

An unspayed female dog in heat must additionally be confined so no other dog can reach it, under subsection (c). Under § 6.12.100(a), an Animal Services Officer has authority to seize and impound any dog that is at large, off the owner's premises without a current license tag, or an unconfined, unspayed female in heat.