Twin Falls County, ID Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length limit
- Not to exceed ten feet (10')
- At-large fine
- Up to $100.00 infraction (§ 5-6-8)
- Redemption window
- 48 hours after impoundment
- First redemption fee
- $10.00 spayed / $15.00 not spayed
- Boarding fee
- $3.00 per day
- Enforcement
- Sheriff's Office, People for Pets Humane Society
Summary
County Code section 5-6-4.A bans letting a dog run at large on unincorporated Twin Falls County streets, alleys, or public places, or on private property without the possessor's consent. A dog is compliant only if it is on a leash no longer than ten feet, confined in a vehicle, or in the immediate care of a responsible person.
A. Running At Large: It shall be unlawful for any person to own, harbor, or have in his/her control a dog, whether the dog is licensed or not, which dog is found at large upon the streets or alleys or the County, or in any public place in the County or upon any other premises without the consent of the person in possession of such premises. Said person who owns, harbors or has in his/her control said dog is responsible for such dog being at large in violation of this Chapter except: 1. When such dog is in the presence of a person and controlled by a leash, not to exceed ten feet (10') in length; or
Full Breakdown
A of the Twin Falls County Code makes it unlawful for anyone to own, harbor, or control a dog, licensed or not, that is found at large on county streets or alleys, in any public place, or on private property without the possessor's consent. A dog escapes 'at large' status in only three situations: it is with a person and on a leash no longer than ten feet, it is confined inside a motor vehicle, or it is in the immediate care and control of a competent, responsible person.
The same 10-foot leash standard reappears in county parks under section 5-6-9, where lack of adequate restraint is listed as a park nuisance, though working or show dogs performing herding, hunting, obedience, or tracking are exempt while under their handler's control. A dog picked up running at large is captured and impounded by the Sheriff's Office or the People for Pets Humane Society under section 5-6-6, which keeps a record of the impoundment and, for a licensed dog, must notify the owner within 24 hours. 00 for a third. An unclaimed dog after 48 hours becomes the property of the Humane Society.
Violations & Fines
Letting a dog run at large is an infraction under section 5-6-8, fined up to $100.00, and the Sheriff's Office or People for Pets Humane Society may impound the dog under section 5-6-6. An unlicensed or licensed dog can be reclaimed within 48 hours by paying $10.00 (spayed) or $15.00 (not spayed) plus $3.00 per day boarding, rising to $20.00, then $30.00 or $45.00 for repeat offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs need to be on a leash in unincorporated Twin Falls County?
What happens if my dog is picked up running at large?
Is the fine for a loose dog the same every time?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Twin Falls County
Compare Twin Falls County to another location·View the Idaho animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.