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

Section 3-505.9 A of the Harrisburg Codified Ordinances has two commands. First, no owner or person in possession can permit a dog, cat or other animal to run at large on the public streets, sidewalks or other public places, or on the property of another. Second, the animal must be restrained by a leash or a chain not exceeding eight feet in length at all times when in public places, streets and parks. There is no off-leash exception in the section, and the eight-foot cap sets a hard length limit for retractable-style restraints. Subsection B adds that no owner can fail to exercise proper care and control to keep animals from becoming a public nuisance, and subsection C requires a female dog or cat in heat to be confined in a building or secure enclosure so she cannot contact a male, except for a planned breeding.

An animal at large is impounded. Section 3-505.10 directs every police officer or other authorized agent to impound every animal at large, and the owner must reimburse the City's reasonable impoundment costs. Failure to pay within 15 days of impoundment is itself a violation. Officers can euthanize an animal at large that is a menace or an immediate threat to public health, safety or property.

Two neighboring rules affect leashing at home. Section 3-505.6 makes it unlawful to tether an unattended dog to a house, tree, fence, garage or stake unless all listed conditions are met, including a non-choke collar and a chain no thicker than 1/8 inch. Section 3-505.7 bars leaving a dog outside and unattended for more than 1/2 hour during a National Weather Service severe weather warning for Dauphin County if the temperature stays below 32° F. or above 90° F. Enforcement officers can enter premises and temporarily remove a dog tethered in violation after a 24-hour compliance notice.