Washtenaw County, MI Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Michigan's Dog Law of 1919 (MCL 287.261 et seq.) provides a statewide framework that gives counties a larger role than most states. Under MCL 287.262, every dog 4 months of age or older must be licensed annually; in Washtenaw County, licenses are issued by the Washtenaw County Treasurer (734-222-6600) for all residents except those in the City of Ann Arbor (which licenses through its own clerk/animal control) and Ypsilanti Township (which licenses separately). Online renewal is available through midoglicense.org/washtenaw. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required, and applications must be filed within 30 days of obtaining a dog over 4 months of age. MCL 287.286a (Dogs Running at Large) prohibits any dog from running at large outside the owner's property under reasonable control - this state statute applies countywide. Dogs must be on a leash held by a person when walking in public, or attached to a stationary object with a person present when in public or in a vehicle. Off-leash use is restricted to permitted, fenced dog parks, and a current dog license must be displayed. The Washtenaw County Sheriff (734-971-8400) supports enforcement in unincorporated areas. Within Ann Arbor, AAPD Animal Control (734-794-6938) handles stray intake, bite reporting, and dangerous-dog investigations under the Michigan Dangerous Animal Act (MCL 287.321 et seq.). Dangerous-dog hearings under MCL 287.322 are handled in the 15th District Court (Ann Arbor) or 14A District Court for elsewhere in the county.