Utah Dog Leash Laws

A few states have statewide dog leash laws, and although Utah is not one of these states, some communities or park areas do have ordinances that require dogs to be leashed. Even though dogs are not required, except in posted areas, to be on a leash when out in public in Utah, pet owners are still liable for any injuries or damages caused by their pet.

  1. Running at Large Statutes

    • Utah has no statewide leash laws but still holds owners responsible for their dog's actions.

      Leash laws are often referred to as canine "running at large" statutes and may vary by municipality, county, homeowners association or local park. Utah does have communities with such rules in place, and they can sometimes be more restrictive than the statewide laws in place elsewhere. The "running at large" statues are designed to protect people who are out and about or may even be walking their pet from being attacked by an aggressive dog.

    Dog Bites and Pet Owner Responsibility

    • If your dog bites a person or another animal, you are generally responsible for any medical bills and lost wages. Typically, the pet owner is responsible, although in certain cases the person charged with watching or supervising the pet is liable instead. In most cases, the pet owner's homeowners' insurance policy pays the cost.

    Ways to Minimize Liability

    • Post a "No Trespassing" sign if your dog can be provoked while behind a fence.

      A dog's owner is responsible for the pet's behavior, and any dog owner knows that the way an animal will react to being provoked, threatened or teased isn't always predictable. Even dogs that are normally calm can react unexpectedly and aggressively in certain situations. If your dog is behind a fence, make sure you post a "No Trespassing" sign to warn young kids and others against going on your property or trying to reach through the fence to pet your animal. You'll also want to leash train your dog, and ensure that the collar fits securely. You don't want your dog to slip out of it and run away from you if it sees another dog or is provoked.