Island County, WA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash/chain limit
- not more than 8 feet
- At-large ban applies
- any public place, others' property
- Enforcement
- impoundment by Animal Control/Sheriff
- Exempt uses
- hunting, search-and-rescue, law enforcement
- Off-leash areas
- 7 designated Island County parks
Summary
Outside authorized off-leash parks, a dog anywhere in unincorporated Island County must be on a leash or chain no more than eight feet long whenever it is away from its owner's premises and in a public place or on someone else's property, under section 6.08.090; the old standalone 'Dog Leash Law' chapter was folded into this section decades ago.
A.Control off-premises. Except as provided in subsection B., below, it is unlawful for the owner, keeper, or person having custody or control of any dog:1.To permit a dog to run at large on public school grounds or public playgrounds;2.To permit a female dog to run at large while in heat; or3.To permit a dog to roam, run, stray, or be away from the premises of the owner or custodian and to be in any public place or on any public property or the private property of another in the county, unless such dog, while away from the premises of the owner or custodian, is controlled by a leash or chain not more than eight (8) feet in length, such control to be exercised by the owner or custodian or other competent and authorized persons.
Full Breakdown
090's control-off-premises rule bars an owner, keeper, or custodian from letting a dog run at large on public school grounds or playgrounds, from letting a female dog run at large while in heat, and from letting any dog roam, run, stray, or be away from its owner's premises in any public place or on another's private property unless it is controlled by a leash or chain no more than eight feet long. A dog found roaming without that control can be impounded. The rule does not apply to dogs actively engaged in search and rescue, exhibition, tracking, or lawful hunting, or to dogs under the control of law enforcement.
Island County also designates specific off-leash areas where a voice-controlled dog may run free, including Double Bluff Beach Access, Marguerite Brons Memorial Park, the Patmore site, English Boom Waterfront Trail's beach area, the Oak Harbor and Clover Valley off-leash areas, and the Henry Hollow Off-Leash Area on Camano Island, all subject to the county's Parks Property Rules. 090.
Violations & Fines
A dog found roaming, running, straying, or away from its owner's premises without the required leash or chain may be seized and impounded by a law enforcement officer or Island County Animal Control Officer under section 6.08.150. An owner who lets a dog habitually chase vehicles or pedestrians, or run in a pack of three or more dogs off the premises, faces separate violations under sections 6.08.100, 6.08.110, and 6.08.120, on top of impoundment for the at-large violation itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog's leash be in unincorporated Island County?
Are there any off-leash dog parks in Island County?
What happens if my dog is found at large in Island County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Island County
Compare Island County to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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