Philadelphia, PA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length limit
- 6 feet, excluding handgrip
- Exempt animal
- Sterilized cats
- Exempt from leash, needs tack
- Horses (rein, bit, halter)
- First unsterilized-animal fine
- $500 minimum
- Repeat violation (12 mo.)
- $750 minimum, forfeiture possible
Summary
Dogs and most other animals off their owner's property must be on a leash no longer than six feet, with a person able to control them.
No person shall permit any animal other than a sterilized cat to go at large upon any street, public place or private property other than the property of the owner of the animal. All animals, other than sterilized cats, using any street, public place or private property of anyone other than the owner of the animal shall be on a leash not exceeding six (6) feet in length including the handgrip but excluding the collar and accompanied by a person able to fully control the animal at all times.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Philadelphia Code § 10-104(1) bars any animal other than a sterilized cat from going at large on a street, public place, or private property that isn't the owner's. Off the owner's property, the animal must be on a leash not exceeding six feet (measuring the leash itself, not the handgrip or collar) and accompanied by someone able to fully control it at all times. Horses are exempt from the leash rule but must be on a proper rein, bit or halter, and lead shank instead. Any animal caught running at large in violation gets seized by an animal control officer or police officer and taken to an approved confinement facility.
Violations & Fines
First offense with a sterilized animal: fine up to $150. Unsterilized animal: Class III offense, minimum $500 fine (waivable if the owner allows the Animal Control Agency to sterilize it). A second unsterilized-animal violation within 12 months carries a minimum $750 fine and the animal may be forfeited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sterilized cats need a leash in Philadelphia?
What happens if my dog is caught off-leash?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Philadelphia
Compare Philadelphia to another location·View the Pennsylvania animal ordinances overview
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