Dog Tethering Laws by State

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026

Maximum continuous hours a dog may be tethered, additional conditions required (shelter, weather, tether length), and the penalty for violation.

50 States2 data columnsLast updated: May 2026

Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.

Max Hours	Conditions Required	Penalty
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Shelter required	Cruelty charge
No limit	Shade/water req	Cruelty charge
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
3 hours	Reasonable tether	$250 fine
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
15 minutes	Weather extremes	$100-500
9 hours	Trolley required	$250 fine
No limit	Local rules vary	Cruelty charge
No limit	Trolley OK	Cruelty charge
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Weather rules	Cruelty charge
No limit	Shelter required	Misdemeanor
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Local rules	Cruelty charge
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Cool/shade	Cruelty charge
No limit	Tether length	Civil violation
No limit	Local rules	Cruelty charge
5 hours	No 10pm-6am	$50-500
No limit	Adequate care	90 days jail
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Local rules	Cruelty charge
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
14 hours	Shade/water req	Misdemeanor
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Weather rules	Up to 6 mo
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
3 hours	Weather extremes	$50-100
No limit	Local rules	Cruelty charge
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
10 hours	3x dog length	Up to $1,000
9 hours	Shelter/water	$300 fine
No limit	Humane only	$50 fine
No limit	Local rules	Cruelty charge
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Safe Outdoor Dogs	$500 fine
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Adequate space	Class 4 misd.
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Humane only	Cruelty charge
No limit	Weather rules	$25-300

Even in states without specific tethering hour limits, prolonged or inhumane tethering may be prosecuted as animal cruelty. Many cities and counties have stricter local ordinances. The USDA's Animal Welfare Act regulates tethering of dogs used in research or commercial breeding but does not apply to pet owners. Texas's Safe Outdoor Dogs Act (2021) is one of the more comprehensive state-level reforms.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.