Harrisburg, PA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Dogs in public spaces within the City of Harrisburg are regulated under City Code Ch. 3-503 (Animal Control) and the Pennsylvania Dog Law (3 P.S. §459-101 et seq.). The city ordinance requires every dog off its owner's property to be restrained by a leash not exceeding six feet in length and held by a person physically capable of controlling the animal. This applies to sidewalks, streets, alleys, Riverfront Park, Reservoir Park, the Capitol grounds walking paths, and any other public area. Retractable leashes that extend beyond six feet must be locked at or under that length while in public.

Off-leash activity is permitted only in the designated dog run at Reservoir Park, where dogs must still be current on rabies vaccination and licensed. Outside these enclosed areas, an unleashed dog is "at large" and subject to impoundment by Dauphin County Animal Response (the city does not operate a standalone animal control bureau; it contracts with the county and the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area).