Philadelphia, PA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Philadelphia regulates dogs in public spaces under Phila. Code §10-104 ("Dogs Running at Large") and §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. §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. §2381. Failure to clean up after a dog on public or private property is a separate violation under §10-104.1.