Grand Rapids requires dogs to be leashed when off the owner's property, with a typical maximum leash length of 6 feet. Designated off-leash dog parks (Shaggy Pines and others) are the exception. Kent County dog licenses are required annually, and rabies vaccination must be current.
Grand Rapids municipal code requires that dogs be on a leash under the direct control of a competent person whenever off the owner's property. Typical maximum leash length is 6 feet. Dogs running at large may be impounded by Kent County Animal Control, which provides animal-services contracting for the city.
Michigan's Dog Law of 1919 (MCL §287.261 et seq.) requires every dog four months or older to be licensed annually through the Kent County Treasurer's office. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required for licensing, and the license tag must be displayed on the dog's collar.
Grand Rapids has designated off-leash dog parks where dogs may run unrestrained under owner supervision. In all other public spaces — including standard city parks, sidewalks, trails, and the Grand River paths — leashing is required. Dangerous-dog cases are pursued under Michigan's behavior-based dangerous-animal statute.
Off-leash citations typically run $50–$250 plus impound and reclaim fees. Unlicensed dogs incur additional county fines. Aggressive or dangerous-dog incidents escalate to misdemeanor charges with fines up to $500 and possible court-ordered restrictions or euthanasia.
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See how Grand Rapids's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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