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Spokane Valley, WA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Where leash rule applies
City parks, trails, open space
Maximum leash length
15 feet
Off-leash allowed
Only where posted
Owner duty
Control animal, remove feces
Park violation classification
Class 3 infraction (§ 6.05.070)
Citywide at-large authority
Adopted Spokane County Code Ch. 5.04

Summary

In Spokane Valley's parks, trails, and open spaces, pets can only run off-leash where posted, and even then the leash itself is capped by ordinance. SVMC § 6.05.060(J)(2) requires that "when allowed, pets shall be kept on a leash no greater than 15 feet in length and shall be kept under control at all times."

Pets. 1. All pets are prohibited in designated picnic areas, sport courts, or play areas in any City park or in any building unless permitted by posted notice. 2. When allowed, pets shall be kept on a leash no greater than 15 feet in length and shall be kept under control at all times. 3. Any person whose pet is in any open space, trail, or park area shall be responsible for the conduct of the animal and for removing feces deposited by the animal. 4. No person shall allow his or her pet to bite, disturb, or harass any facility users, wildlife, or other pets.

Full Breakdown

060(J) of the Spokane Valley Municipal Code sets four pet rules for City parks and facilities. " Fourth, owners cannot let a pet "bite, disturb, or harass any facility users, wildlife, or other pets," bark or make continuous noise that disturbs other park users, or damage park vegetation. 070, and the City can also pursue injunctive relief through superior court. 12 of the Spokane County Code shall be construed to refer to the City of Spokane Valley," so the County's at-large restraint standard governs citywide alongside the park-specific rule.

Violations & Fines

Violating the park pet rules in § 6.05.060, including the 15-foot leash cap, is a Class 3 infraction under § 6.05.070, and the City may pursue injunctive remedies through superior court for repeated violations. Outside parks, at-large enforcement runs through the animal control regime the City adopted from Spokane County Code Chapter 5.04 under SVMC § 7.30.010.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can my dog's leash be in a Spokane Valley park?
No more than 15 feet. SVMC § 6.05.060(J)(2) says "when allowed, pets shall be kept on a leash no greater than 15 feet in length and shall be kept under control at all times," and pets are barred outright from picnic areas, sport courts, play areas, and buildings unless posted otherwise.
Am I responsible for cleaning up after my dog in a park?
Yes. Section 6.05.060(J)(3) makes "any person whose pet is in any open space, trail, or park area" responsible "for the conduct of the animal and for removing feces deposited by the animal," regardless of whether the pet is on- or off-leash at the time.
What happens if I break the park leash rule?
Violating the park rules in § 6.05.060, including the leash requirement, is a Class 3 infraction under § 6.05.070, and the City can pursue injunctive remedies through superior court against repeat violators.
Is there a citywide leash law outside of parks?
Yes. SVMC § 7.30.010 adopts Spokane County Code Chapter 5.04, "Dogs and Cats," by reference as the City's animal control law, with every reference to "Spokane County" in that chapter read as "Spokane Valley," so the County's at-large and restraint standards apply citywide.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Spokane Valley

All Spokane Valley rules

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