In unincorporated Guilford County, any dog off the owner's premises must be under physical restraint (leash, cord or chain). Dogs may run at large only if fenced or otherwise controlled; cats are exempt from the restraint rule.
County Code Sec. 5-9 bans animals (except cats) running at large: a dog must be under sufficient physical restraint, within a vehicle, or contained by a fence or other secure enclosure. If an invisible fence is used, a visible permanent sign stating so must be posted. "At large" means an animal not enclosed and not under control by leash, cord or chain. Guilford County Animal Services enforces county-wide in unincorporated areas; the cities of Greensboro and High Point run their own animal ordinances inside their limits.
Running at large is a violation; Animal Services may impound the animal at the county shelter and cite the owner. Repeat or aggravated cases carry escalating civil penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Guilford County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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