Dog Leash Laws: Chicago vs New York
How do dog leash laws rules compare between Chicago, IL and New York, NY?
Chicago and New York have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago Municipal Code Section 7-12-030 requires all dogs to be leashed and under control when off the owner's property. Dogs must also be leashed on unfenced portions of the owner's property. Base fine is $300, escalating to $10,000 for incidents causing severe injury.
View full Chicago rules →New York, NY
New York County
Section 161.05 of the New York City Health Code requires every dog in any public place, or in any open or unfenced area abutting a public place, to be effectively restrained by a leash or other restraint not more than 6 feet long. Off-leash use is allowed only in designated dog runs and during NYC Parks' courtesy off-leash hours (generally park opening to 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. to park closing) where posted. Enforcement is shared by DOHMH, NYC Parks, NYPD, and DSNY.
View full New York rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | 7-12-030 | - |
| Base Fine | $300 | - |
| Property Damage Fine | $300 - $1,000 | - |
| Severe Injury Fine | $1,000 - $10,000 | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Do I have to leash my dog in Chicago?
Yes. Section 7-12-030 requires dogs to be leashed and under control whenever off the owner's property and even on unfenced portions of the owner's property. Only designated off-leash dog parks are exempt.
What is the fine for an off-leash dog in Chicago?
The base fine is $300. If property damage occurs, fines go up to $1,000. If severe injury or death results, fines range from $1,000 to $10,000, with possible jail time and community service.
New York FAQ
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