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Allegheny County, PA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Rule
leash required in county parks
Exception
designated off-leash areas
Horses
designated trails and roads only
Governing section
§ 650-2C(1)

Summary

Allegheny County parks require dogs and other domestic animals to stay on a leash at all times, except in areas the county has designated for off-leash use.

City-specific rules exist: Penn Hills, and Pittsburgh have their own dog leash laws rules that differ from Allegheny County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Domestic animals are permitted only when on a leash, except in designated off-leash dog areas;

(2) Horses are permitted only on designated horse trails and roads.

D. Sale of food and refreshments.

(1) Food and refreshments may be sold only by concessionaires approved by the Parks Department and may only be sold pursuant to the provisions of their respective concession agreements;

(2) If food and refreshment concessionaires are unwilling to provide such service at special events, the holders of the appropriate permits may provide refreshments to the public subject to approval and conditions imposed by the Director of the Parks Department.

E. Charging admission for permit areas and buildings. The holders of permits for special-use areas who are engaged in a non-profit-making enterprise may charge the public for admission to an event. Such a charge is subject to the approval of the Director at least one week prior to the date of the permit.

F. Public gatherings. Meetings, assemblies, parades or related forms of public gatherings will be permitted upon possession and presentation of a written authorization signed by the Director of the Parks Department.

G. Use of permit facilities. Permits are required to reserve buildings, shelters, groves, athletic fields and other facilities.

H.

Source: PA Dog Law 459-305 ConfinementView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4857026; v12 updated 2024-06-04; through 06-04-2024).

Full Breakdown

Under § 650-2C(1), domestic animals in Allegheny County parks are permitted only when on a leash, with the single exception of areas the county specifically designates as off-leash dog zones. The same subsection separately restricts horses to designated horse trails and roads. The rule applies chapter-wide across every county park, North Park, South Park, Boyce, Deer Lakes, Hartwood, Harrison Hills, White Oak, and Round Hill, under the Parks Department's general regulated-activities framework.

Violations & Fines

Letting a dog off-leash outside a designated area breaks § 650-2C(1); a conviction lets the Parks Director revoke any park permits the owner holds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I let my dog off-leash in an Allegheny County park?
Only in areas the county has specifically designated as off-leash dog areas: everywhere else, domestic animals must be on a leash (§ 650-2C(1)).
What if my dog is off-leash outside a designated area?
It violates park rules, and repeat violators risk having any park permits revoked (§ 650-3B).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Allegheny County

All Allegheny County rules

Compare Allegheny County to another location·View the Pennsylvania animal ordinances overview

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