Sammamish, WA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Max leash/tether length
- 16 feet
- Citywide at-large rule
- SMC 11.05.015 / KCC 11.04.230(B)
- Park leash rule
- SMC 7A.15.020
- Off-leash allowed
- designated dog parks or posted hours only
- Park violation classification
- civil offense
Summary
A dog running at large anywhere in Sammamish is a nuisance violation under Municipal Code 11.05.015, which adopts King County's animal control code. In city parks, SMC 7A.15.020 separately requires dogs to stay on a leash, tether or chain no longer than 16 feet, unless the dog is in a designated off-leash area or hour.
11.04.230 Nuisances defined. For purposes of this chapter, nuisances are violations of this chapter and shall be defined as follows: ... (B) A dog running at large in the City; (C) Any domesticated animal, whether licensed or not, that runs at large in any park or enters any public beach, pond, fountain or stream or upon any public playground or school ground. However, this subsection shall not prohibit a person from walking or exercising an animal in a public park or on any public beach when the animal is on a leash, tether or chain not to exceed sixteen (16) feet in length.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance O2026-598, and legislation passed through August 18, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Sammamish enforces two overlapping leash rules. 020(C) as a cord, thong or chain of no more than 16 feet. 020(A) defines 'at large' as off the owner's premises and not under control by leash, and 'restraint' as remaining within the owner's property limits. 020: it is unlawful to allow an animal to run at large in a park or enter a designated swimming area, and in permissible areas dogs must be kept on a leash not exceeding 16 feet and under control at all times.
Dogs may run off-leash only in City-designated off-leash dog parks, in portions of parks posted as off-leash, or during posted off-leash hours, and the section does not apply to dogs in sanctioned competitions or sanctioned search-and-rescue work. 030 for cleaning up their dog's waste in any City open space, trail or park facility. 030.
Violations & Fines
Violating the park leash rule (SMC 7A.15.020(4)) or the animal waste rule (7A.15.030) is a civil offense. Citywide at-large violations under SMC 11.05.015 are prosecuted as infractions or offenses under SMC Titles 7 and 11, using the same bond or bail schedule the King County District Court applies to comparable King County animal-control cases (SMC 11.05.050).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my dog's leash be in Sammamish?
Can I let my dog off-leash in a Sammamish park?
Is a dog running loose on my street also against the rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sammamish
Compare Sammamish to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle dog leash laws.