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Kennewick, WA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

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

Key Facts

Max leash length
8 feet
"At heel" distance
within 2 feet
First-offense fine
$50
Fourth+ offense fine
$400

Summary

Kennewick dogs off their owner's property must stay "at heel" or on a leash no longer than eight feet: letting a dog roam or stray violates the City's dog control ordinance.

Dog Leashes Required. It is unlawful for any owner to cause, permit or allow any dog owned, harbored, controlled or kept by him, in this City, to roam, run at large or stray away from the premises where the same is owned, harbored, controlled or kept, except that while away from said premises, such dog shall at all times be controlled by being "at heel," or by means of a leash not exceeding eight feet in length, by the owner or some duly authorized and competent person.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 19 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

KMC 8.02.050 bars any dog from roaming, straying, or leaving its owner's premises unless the owner keeps it under control at all times. Off the property, a dog must be kept "at heel", within two feet of a competent handler, or restrained on a leash or chain no longer than eight feet, except when securely confined in a vehicle or in a City-designated training area. Finding a dog away from its owner's property and not under a person's control is prima facie evidence of a violation.

Violations & Fines

Violating the leash requirement is a civil infraction under KMC 8.02.360, starting at $50 for a first offense within five years and rising to $400 for a fourth or later violation, plus a $10 court cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my dog be off-leash in my own yard?
Yes: the leash rule applies only once the dog leaves the owner's premises (KMC 8.02.050).
Are there off-leash areas in Kennewick?
Yes. City-designated dog training areas are exempt if the City's rules for those areas are followed (KMC 8.02.050(2)).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Kennewick

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All Kennewick rules

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