Pittsburgh, PA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- Leash or chain, max 6 ft
- Citation
- Pittsburgh Code § 633.08
- Enforcement
- Bureau of Animal Care and Control
- Penalty
- $100 first offense, $500 repeat
- Exception
- Designated Off-Leash Exercise Areas only
Summary
Pittsburgh bans dogs running at large on streets, sidewalks, or private property; owners must restrain dogs with a leash or a chain no longer than six feet in all public places.
No person, whether as owner or person in possession, shall permit his or her dog to run at large upon the public streets, sidewalks or other public places, or upon the property of another. A dog shall be restrained by the use of a leash, or a chain not exceeding six (6) feet in length, at all times when upon public places, streets and park.
(a) Exceptions. It is not a violation of this section to have a dog off-leash in a specific area designated by the Director of Parks & Recreation to be an Off Leash Exercise Area (OLEA) (see City Code at § 633.21).
Full Breakdown
Pittsburgh Code § 633.08 prohibits letting a dog run at large on public streets, sidewalks, parks, or another person's property. Dogs must be restrained by leash or a chain not exceeding six feet whenever in public places, streets, and parks. The only exception is a City-designated Off-Leash Exercise Area (OLEA) approved by the Director of Parks & Recreation. The Bureau of Animal Care and Control impounds dogs found at large; police officers or other authorized agencies must impound every dog running loose. A violation carries a $100 fine plus costs for a first offense, rising to $500 plus costs for each later offense, under § 633.19(c).
Violations & Fines
First offense: $100 fine plus costs. Repeat offenses: $500 fine plus costs. Unpaid fines can mean up to 72 hours in jail under § 633.19(c).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I let my dog off-leash in a Pittsburgh park?
What happens if my dog is caught running loose in Pittsburgh?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
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