St. Louis, MO Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Max leash length
- 6 feet
- Where required
- Streets, parks, public places
- First-offense fine
- $100
- Repeat-offense fine
- $300 / $500
- Enforcing agency
- Health Dept., Animal Regulation Division
Summary
St. Louis requires dogs in any public street, park, or public place to be on a secure leash no more than six feet long, held continuously by a person able to control the dog.
No person owning, having a proprietary interest in, harboring or having the care, charge, control, custody or possession of a dog, shall permit such dog to be in or upon any public street, park or other public place unless such dog is upon a secure leash not more than six feet long held continuously in the hands of a responsible person capable of controlling the dog, or unless the dog is securely confined within an automobile, or in or upon any enclosed lot or premises...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 10.04.220, anyone owning or having charge of a dog may not let it be in or on a public street, park, or other public place unless it is on a secure leash not more than six feet long, held continuously in the hands of a responsible person capable of controlling the dog, or is confined in a car or an enclosed lot. The section carves out a narrow exception for a person operating under a valid City permit for a dog obedience trial or show in a public place. A first violation for an unleashed or loose dog draws a $100 administrative citation fine, rising to $300 for a second offense and $500 for a third and each subsequent offense, per the Health Department's schedule of administrative fines at § 11.95.130.
Violations & Fines
$100 first offense, $300 second, $500 third and subsequent (administrative citation).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I let my dog off-leash in a St. Louis park?
What's the fine for an unleashed dog in St. Louis?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
Compare St. Louis to another location·View the Missouri animal ordinances overview
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