It is not outright illegal to tether (chain) a dog outside in Washington, but the state has clear laws and restrictions to prevent cruelty and neglect. Tethering is legal only if specific health, safety, and welfare standards are met.
Key Legal Requirements
- No Reckless Tethering: It is illegal to leave a dog tethered for a “reckless period of time.” This means any period that endangers the dog’s health or well-being, or exposes them to unsafe or unsanitary conditions, can result in penalties.
- Adequate Shelter, Food, and Water: Dogs must have continuous access to food, water, and shelter that protects them from extreme weather (heat, cold, rain, snow).
- Protection from Weather: During harsh winter weather, it is specifically against the law to leave a dog tied up outside without shelter for 36 hours or more. Animal control officers can intervene and even remove animals left in unsafe conditions.
- Safe and Sanitary Conditions: The area where the dog is tethered must be free from excessive heat or cold, and the dog must not be forced to stand, sit, or lie in its own waste.
- Freedom of Movement: The tether must allow the dog to comfortably sit, stand, and lie down, and must not cause frequent entanglement.
- Proper Equipment: Tethering with choke, pinch, slip, halter, or prong-type collars is prohibited. Only a properly fitted buckle-type collar or harness is allowed.
- Vulnerable Dogs: It is illegal to tether a dog that is ill, injured, in distress, in advanced pregnancy, or under six months old.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Warnings and Citations: Animal care and control officers can issue warnings or civil infractions for violations. In severe cases, animal cruelty charges may apply.
- Removal of Animals: If a dog is found tethered in dangerous conditions, officers can remove the animal to ensure its safety.
Local Ordinances
- Additional Restrictions: Some counties and cities in Washington may have stricter rules, so always check local ordinances for additional requirements or prohibitions.
Table: Tethering Laws for Dogs in Washington
| Requirement | Legal Standard |
|---|---|
| Tethering allowed? | Yes, but not for a reckless period of time |
| Shelter, food, water | Must be provided at all times |
| Protection from weather | Required; illegal to leave out in harsh weather |
| Max time in harsh winter (no shelter) | 36 hours |
| Equipment | Only buckle-type collar/harness (no choke/prong) |
| Age/condition restrictions | No tethering if under 6 months, ill, or pregnant |
| Movement and safety | Must prevent entanglement, allow normal movement |
| Enforcement | Warnings, civil infractions, possible removal |
Leaving your pet chained outside in Washington is illegal if it is done for a reckless period, without adequate shelter, food, or water, or in unsafe or unsanitary conditions. Special rules apply during harsh weather, and vulnerable dogs cannot be tethered at all. Violations can result in warnings, fines, or even animal cruelty charges. Always check local ordinances for any stricter rules.
Sources
[1] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[2] https://newstalkkit.com/is-it-legal-in-washington-to-leave-your-pets-outside-in-harsh-weather-wa/
[3] https://dogtime.com/reference/106622-washington-animal-cruelty-law-dog-chain
[4] https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=16.08&full=true
[5] https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/apr/19/new-bill-signed-into-law-protecting-tethered-dogs/
