Oklahoma City, OK Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 8-38, § 8-39
- Max fine
- $500, excluding costs
- Leash defined
- Leash, cord, rope or chain
- Off-leash exception
- City dog parks, training/shows
- Non-compliant dog
- Subject to impoundment
Summary
Oklahoma City bans letting a dog run at large or trespass on others' property; off your own land a dog must be under direct control, meaning leashed, tethered, or voice-controlled only during training or shows.
(a)It shall be unlawful for the owner, keeper or other person in control of any dog, livestock or domesticated fowl other than homing pigeons to permit the same to be at large, or to trespass upon the property of any other person.(b)A violation of this section, upon conviction, shall be a Class "a" offense.(c)Any dog which is at large or trespassing shall be impounded and shall only be reclaimed as established in this article.(d)Provided, however, this section shall not apply to:(1)any person who takes a dog upon private property with the consent of the owner or person in control of the property, or upon a street or other public place when the dog is under direct control.(2)any person utilizing a designated City-approved dog park in accordance with the provisions of Section 38-107 of this Code.(3)any person riding or leading a horse along a street or right-of-way provided the horse is under the control of the person riding or leading the same and in compliance with any other provisions of this Code.(4)any livestock ridden or driven in compliance with the provisions of Section 8-70 of this Chapter.(5)any menacing or dangerous dog at large or trespassing, which instead shall be subject to the provisions of Article III of this Chapter unless the dog has an unknown owner. (Ord. No. 23145, § 2, 10-3-06; Ord. No. 25674, § 2, 7-5-17 ; Ord. No. 26483, § 3, 6-16-20)
§ 8-39. - Confinement of dogs required.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 8-38 makes it unlawful for an owner or keeper to permit a dog to be at large or to trespass on another's property; violators face a Class "a" offense and the dog can be impounded. Section 8-5 defines "direct control" as continuous physical restraint by leash, cord, rope or chain strong enough to hold the dog, or safe restraint in a vehicle. Section 8-39 separately requires dogs to be confined to the owner's property by fence, building, or a tether that keeps them off public property and neighboring land.
Violations & Fines
Class "a" offense: fine up to $500.00 excluding court costs and fees per § 1-6; an at-large or unconfined dog may be impounded by an Animal Welfare Officer and reclaimed only through the shelter process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog need a leash in Oklahoma City?
What happens if my dog gets loose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oklahoma City
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle dog leash laws.