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

040(1) makes it the owner's responsibility to ensure a dog is never permitted to roam, stray, or leave its owner's premises unless under the control of a person at all times; finding a dog away from home and not under a responsible person's control is prima facie evidence of a violation. Subsection (2), the chapter's leash requirement, prohibits an owner from allowing a dog to roam, run at large, or stray from its home premises except while controlled at heel or on a leash not exceeding eight feet in length, held by the owner or a competent authorized person.

A leash isn't required when the dog is safely and securely confined or fully controlled in a vehicle, or within a City-designated dog training area where a competent trainer maintains custody and control under applicable City regulations. Subsection (3) separately bars a dog from biting or attempting to bite any person, destroying private property, scattering refuse, chasing vehicles, or committing any nuisance defined elsewhere in the chapter. 050, and impounded animals receive DHLP, parvovirus and Bordetella vaccinations at the owner's expense. 030 and may be seized regardless of licensing status. 070, with impound fees escalating for a second and for third-and-subsequent impoundments within a 12-month period.