Pasco County, FL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Chapter 14, Article II (Animal Control), Sec. 14-97 'Running at large' prohibits any person who owns, keeps, or harbors a dog from allowing it to roam or run at large in the unincorporated county, including on the owner's own property, and requires all dogs to be under the 'direct control' of a competent person. 'Direct control' is defined in Sec. 14-27 as 'immediate, continuous physical control of an animal at all times such as by means of a fence, leash, cord, or chain of such strength to restrain the animal.' Sec. 14-97(b) also makes it unlawful to tie, chain, or tether a dog so that it has access to public property, a roadway, or a neighbor's property without that adjoining owner's written consent. Specifically trained hunting dogs are exempt while actively training or hunting under FWC rules when accompanied by the owner or agent. Animal Services officers may impound any dog seen at large and may enter private property (except inside a dwelling) in active pursuit. Separately, Sec. 14-100 'Tethering' limits how a dog may be tethered outdoors (visual range of an attending owner, proper collar/harness, tether at least five times the dog's body length, no extreme weather, dog at least six months old).