Oakland County, MI Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- MCL 287.262 (Dog Law of 1919)
- Leash Required
- Whenever off owner's property
- Off-Leash Areas
- Lyon Oaks, Orion Oaks, Red Oaks, Catalpa Oaks dog parks
- Enforcement
- Oakland County Animal Control: 47 municipalities
Summary
Under the Michigan Dog Law (MCL 287.262), enforced county-wide by Oakland County Animal Control, no dog may stray from the owner's premises unless held properly in a leash. Most Oakland County municipalities additionally cap leash length at 6 feet.
It shall be unlawful for any person to own any dog 6 months old or over, unless the dog is licensed as hereinafter provided, or to own any dog 6 months old or over that does not at all times wear a collar with a tag approved by the director of agriculture, attached as hereinafter provided, except when engaged in lawful hunting accompanied by his owner or custodian … or for any owner of any female dog to permit the female dog to go beyond the premises of such owner when she is in heat, unless the female dog is held properly in leash.
Full Breakdown
Oakland County Animal Control patrols 47 of the county's 62 municipalities (those without their own animal control officers) and handles over 5,000 leash-related calls annually. The state-law standard requires the dog be 'held properly in leash' whenever off the owner's property. Exceptions are narrow: leader/guide dogs, working farm dogs, and hunting dogs actively engaged in lawful hunting while accompanied by the owner. Female dogs in heat may not leave the premises at all unless leashed. Dogs at large can be impounded at the Oakland County Pet Adoption Center (1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac), with owners liable for boarding fees and a redemption fee. Oakland County operates dedicated off-leash dog parks (Lyon Oaks, Orion Oaks, Red Oaks, Catalpa Oaks) where leash rules are suspended within posted boundaries.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor under MCL 287.262: fine up to $100 plus court costs. Impound and boarding fees apply on top. Repeat violators may be cited under municipal ordinances with higher fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a maximum leash length in Oakland County?
Can I let my dog off-leash on my own property?
What if my dog runs out the front door?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oakland County
Compare Oakland County to another location·View the Michigan animal ordinances overview
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