Yakima, WA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Max leash length
- 8 feet
- At-large, 1st offense
- Civil infraction
- Bite/injury penalty
- Misdemeanor
- Serious injury/death
- Gross misdemeanor
- Exemptions
- Dog parks, shows, supervised hunting
Summary
Yakima requires dogs to stay on their owner's property or be restrained on a leash no longer than eight feet under a capable handler's control; letting a dog run at large is a civil infraction under Yakima Municipal Code § 6.20.130.
“At large” means off the premises of the owner or keeper of the animal, and not under restraint by leash eight feet in length or shorter subject to the actual control of a capable person. ... § 6.20.130. Control of dogs. It is unlawful for any person to permit any dog to engage in any of the following behavior: (1) A dog is at large; ...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Yakima Municipal Code § 6.20.130, it is unlawful to let a dog run 'at large': defined in § 6.20.010 as being off the owner's premises and not restrained by a leash eight feet long or shorter under the actual control of a capable person. The at-large rule does not apply to dogs at shows, field trials, or supervised hunting and herding activities, or to dogs off-leash at a designated dog park. A first at-large violation is a civil infraction; if the loose dog chases, menaces, or bites someone, the penalties escalate to a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor depending on the injury caused.
Violations & Fines
Running at large is a civil infraction; an unprovoked dog that injures a person or animal is a misdemeanor, and one that kills or seriously injures someone is a gross misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog leash be in Yakima?
Is it legal to let my dog off-leash in Yakima?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
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