New Haven, CT Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 7-4(d)
- Requirement
- Leash or equivalent control
- Exception
- Designated city dog parks
- Service dog exempt
- Certified service dogs only
Summary
New Haven requires owners to keep animals under control with a leash and bars letting pets run at large on city streets or others' property, except in designated dog parks.
It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any animal to fail to keep his or her animal under his or her control with a leash or other methods designed for such purposes, or to permit any animal to run at large upon the streets and public ways of the city or upon property other than that of the owner or keeper, except designated dog parks.(e)The provisions of this section shall not apply to a trained, duly certified service dog. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals.(f)Any person violating this section shall be subject to a fine up to the maximum amount authorized by state statutes or this Code per offense. (Ord. of 1-3-77; Code of 1985, § 7-3; Ord. of 2-17-87; Ord. No. 1400, 1-3-06; Ord. No. 1849, 11-8-18)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 32).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 7-4(d) of New Haven's animal code, owners and keepers must keep every animal under control with a leash or comparable restraint; letting an animal run at large on city streets, sidewalks, or someone else's property is unlawful, with an exception for the city's designated dog parks. Certified service dogs are exempt from the section's requirements, though dogs kept solely for emotional support do not qualify for that exemption. The animal control division of the police department enforces the rule, and violators face a fine up to the maximum amount state statutes or the city code allow per offense.
Violations & Fines
Any violation is subject to a fine up to the maximum amount authorized by state statutes or the city code, per offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can dogs be off-leash legally in New Haven?
Are service dogs exempt from the leash rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Haven
Compare New Haven to another location·View the Connecticut animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle dog leash laws.