Larimer County, CO Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length
- No more than six feet
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Larimer County
- Rule
- All dogs kept under restraint
- First-offense fine
- $40 penalty assessment
- Dangerous dog
- C.R.S. 18-9-204.5 misdemeanor
Summary
In unincorporated Larimer County all dogs must be kept under restraint; it is unlawful to let a dog run at large. A leash means a tether no more than six feet long, held by a person.
All dogs shall be kept under restraint. It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any dog to permit such dog to be at large in the county.
Full Breakdown
Larimer County Code Sec. 6-76 requires every dog be kept under restraint and prohibits dogs at large countywide. "At large" means not physically controlled by a leash held by a human, or not accompanied by and immediately responsive to its handler. Sec. 6-1 defines a leash as a tether no more than six feet long (longer or retractable leads allowed only for exercise/training). Working stock dogs, licensed-hunter retrieving dogs, and law-enforcement dogs are exempt. Dangerous dogs are separately barred by Sec. 6-79 and by state law C.R.S. 18-9-204.5, under which a dog inflicting bodily injury is a class 2 misdemeanor. Home-rule cities (Fort Collins, Loveland) set their own leash codes.
Violations & Fines
Dogs-at-large penalty assessment: $40 first offense, $100 second, $150 subsequent. Bodily injury by a dog is a class 2 misdemeanor ($250-$1,000 fine, jail). Intact-dog nuisance adds $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash on my own property?
Are retractable leashes allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Larimer County
Compare Larimer County to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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