Salt Lake City, UT Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length limit
- 6 feet maximum
- First offense fine
- $25 per animal
- Subsequent offense fine
- $200 per animal
- Off-leash allowed
- Only in designated city parks
- Governing section
- City Code § 8.04.390
Summary
Salt Lake City bans dogs from running at large; owners must keep dogs restrained by a six-foot leash, secure enclosure, or on their own property, with strict liability for violations.
With the exception set forth in subsection B of this section, it is unlawful for the owner or person having charge, care, custody, or control of any animal to allow such animal at any time to run at large. The owner or person charged with responsibility for an animal found running at large shall be strictly liable for a violation of this section, regardless of the precautions taken to prevent the escape of the animal and regardless of whether or not such owner or person knows that the animal is running at large. Any violation of this section shall constitute a civil violation and will be penalized pursuant to the criteria set forth in sections
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 40-26, passed June 16, 2026).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 8.04.390 makes it unlawful for an owner or custodian to let any animal run at large anywhere in the city, and the owner is strictly liable regardless of precautions taken or whether they knew the animal was loose. "Animal under restraint" means controlled by a leash or lead no longer than six feet, another physical enclosure, or on the owner's own property (§ 8.04.010). Dogs may run off leash only in a short list of city-designated parks and trails, such as Pioneer Park, Fairmont Park, and the Memory Grove Freedom Trail, and must still respond to voice command there. Violations bring escalating civil fines under § 8.15.027.
Violations & Fines
Civil notice-of-violation fines per animal: $25 first offense, $50 second, $100 third, $200 for subsequent offenses within 24 months, plus impound fees from $35 (§ 8.15.027).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash in Salt Lake City?
What counts as keeping a dog 'under restraint'?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake City
Compare Salt Lake City to another location·View the Utah animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Salt Lake County handle dog leash laws.