Philadelphia requires all dogs in public to be on a leash no longer than six feet, held by a person able to control the animal, under Phila. Code Β§10-104. Off-leash is permitted only inside designated dog parks. PA Dog Law also requires annual county licensing for dogs three months and older.
Philadelphia regulates dogs in public spaces under Phila. Code Β§10-104 ("Dogs Running at Large") and Β§10-104.1 (waste removal). All dogs must be on a leash not exceeding six feet in length when off the owner's property, and the leash must be held by a person physically able to restrain the dog. This applies to sidewalks, streets, parks (outside designated off-leash zones), and any other public area. Retractable leashes longer than six feet violate the ordinance.
The city has roughly a dozen official off-leash dog parks (Seger Park, Schuylkill River Dog Park, Chew Playground, Pretzel Park, and others) where leashes may be removed if the dog is under voice control and current on vaccinations. Outside these specific zones, off-leash dogs may be impounded by Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly).
State law (PA Dog Law, 3 P.S. Β§459-101 et seq.) requires every dog three months or older to have an annual license issued by the Philadelphia County Treasurer ($8.50 spayed/neutered, $16.50 intact). Rabies vaccination is also mandatory under 3 Pa.C.S. Β§2381. Failure to clean up after a dog on public or private property is a separate violation under Β§10-104.1.
Off-leash violation: $100β$300 per occurrence. Failure to pick up waste: $50β$300. Unlicensed dog: $300 plus license back-fees under PA Dog Law. Dangerous dog determination triggers $500+ fines, mandatory liability insurance, and confinement orders.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia regulates on-street parking through the Philadelphia Parking Authority under Phila. Code Title 12. Residential Permit Parking (RPP) districts re...
Philadelphia, PA
Although Pennsylvania Act 43 of 2017 (and Act 74 of 2022) legalized consumer fireworks statewide, Philadelphia's Fire Code imposes some of the strictest loca...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Title 4 PM Code requires property maintenance but does not address orn...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting, and blower noise are governed by condo/HOA covenants. ...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA/condo covenants ...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Trade permits filed through L+I...
See how Philadelphia's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.