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

Dog control in Marysville is governed by Marysville Municipal Code (MMC) Title 10 (Animals), Chapter 10.04 (Animal Control). MMC 10.04.300 (Leash required) provides that it is a civil infraction for the owner or custodian of any dog to cause, permit or allow such dog to roam, run, stray, or to be away from the premises of such owner or custodian and to be on any public place, on any public property, or the private property of another in the city, unless such dog, while away from such premises, is controlled by a leash not more than eight feet in length, with control exercised by the owner, custodian, or other competent and authorized person. Any dog found roaming, running, straying, or being away from such premises and not on a leash may be impounded subject to redemption procedures in Chapter 10.04. The chapter's definitions section similarly defines "animal at large" as any animal off the property of its owner unless restrained by a leash, tether, or other physical control device not exceeding eight feet in length and under the physical control of a responsible person, or which enters the property of another person without authorization. MMC 10.04.200 separately makes it unlawful to allow a female dog or cat to be at large during the regular heat period; such an animal is declared a nuisance and may be impounded. MMC 10.04.220 prohibits owners from allowing dogs that chase or threaten persons or vehicles on public streets, alleys, or sidewalks to run at large and not under restraint. Stray animals (running at large, unlicensed, no identification tag, no apparent home) are declared public nuisances under MMC 10.04.230 and may be impounded. State law RCW 16.08 addresses dog owner liability for bites and dangerous dogs but does not impose a statewide leash mandate, leaving leash regulation to local jurisdictions like Marysville. Animal control services for Marysville are administered by the Marysville Police Department's Animal Control Officer (MMC 10.04.250).