New York County Dog Leash Laws Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsKey Facts
- Leash Length
- Maximum 6 feet
- Off-Leash Hours (Parks)
- 9:00 PM – 9:00 AM
- Dog Runs
- Off-leash at all hours
- First Offense Fine
- $50 – $200
- Park Violation (Misdemeanor)
- Up to $1,000
- Code Reference
- Health Code §161.05
The Short Version
NYC Health Code Section 161.05 requires all dogs to be restrained on a leash no longer than six feet in all public places. The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation allows off-leash hours in designated park areas between 9 PM and 9 AM, provided the dog has current licensure and rabies vaccination. Dedicated dog runs allow off-leash activity at all hours. Leash law violations carry fines ranging from $50 to $200, with park violations potentially reaching $1,000.
Full Breakdown
NYC Health Code Section 161.05 establishes a clear and universal leash requirement: no person who owns, possesses, or controls a dog shall permit it to be in any public place or in any open or unfenced area abutting a public place unless the dog is effectively restrained by a leash or other restraint not more than six feet long. There are no exceptions based on dog size, breed, or temperament.
The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation provides a significant quality-of-life exception through its off-leash hours policy. Dogs may be off-leash in unenclosed park areas before 9 AM and after 9 PM. During these hours, the person in control of the dog must maintain and provide, on demand, proof of current dog licensure and current rabies vaccination. Dogs must still be under voice control and must not be in prohibited areas such as playgrounds, beaches (outside designated dog beaches), ball fields, or nature preserves.
Dedicated dog runs throughout Manhattan — including runs in Central Park, Washington Square Park, Madison Square Park, and many others — allow off-leash activity at all hours. These enclosed areas provide safe off-leash spaces outside of the designated hours.
All dogs over four months old in NYC must be licensed through the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Dog licenses require proof of rabies vaccination and spay/neuter status. NYC also requires owners to pick up after their dogs under the Canine Waste Law (NYC Health Code Section 161.03), with fines up to $250 for failure to clean up.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Leash law violations under Health Code Section 161.05 carry fines ranging from $50 to $200 for a first offense, classified as a violation under the Penal Law. More serious park violations, such as allowing an unleashed dog in a prohibited area or during non-off-leash hours, may be classified as misdemeanors punishable by up to 20 days imprisonment or a fine of up to $1,000. Failure to license a dog carries a separate fine. The Canine Waste Law imposes fines up to $250 for failure to pick up after a dog. Notices of violation may be issued by the Department of Health, Department of Sanitation, Department of Parks and Recreation, or NYPD.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can my dog be off-leash in Central Park?
How long does my dog's leash need to be?
Do I need to license my dog in NYC?
Sources & Official References
Related Ordinances in New York County
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