In Vermont, it is not illegal to leave your dog or pet chained or tethered outside, either during the day or overnight. However, the law imposes specific requirements to ensure the animal’s welfare and to prevent cruelty or neglect.
Key Legal Requirements for Tethering Dogs in Vermont
- Shelter, Food, and Water: The dog must have continuous access to suitable shelter that protects from wind, drafts, sun, rain, and other environmental hazards, as well as access to food and water at all times.
- Tether Length: The chain or tether must be at least four times the length of the dog’s body (measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail), and must allow the dog access to its shelter.
- Tether Safety: The tether must be attached to a well-fitted collar or harness (not to a choke or pinch collar) and should be designed to prevent entanglement or injury.
- Exercise: If a dog is confined (not just tethered), it must be given at least one hour of exercise outside its enclosure each day, unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian.
- Protection from Extreme Weather: While Vermont law does not specifically ban leaving pets outside in extreme cold or heat, the requirement for “suitable housing” and protection from environmental hazards applies year-round. Failing to provide adequate shelter in harsh weather could be prosecuted as animal cruelty.
Animal Cruelty and Enforcement
- Cruelty to Animals: Tethering or chaining a dog in a way that is inhumane or detrimental to its welfare is considered animal cruelty under Vermont law and is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000 for a first offense.
- Seizure of Animals: Humane officers may seize animals being cruelly treated, and owners may face criminal charges.
- Continuous, Long-Term Tethering: While not outright banned, continuous long-term tethering is discouraged and may be considered inhumane, especially if it results in physical or psychological harm to the animal.
Summary Table: Vermont Dog Tethering Laws
| Requirement | Legal Standard in Vermont |
|---|---|
| Tethering/Chaining | Legal, with regulations |
| Shelter | Must provide protection from weather year-round |
| Tether Length | At least 4x the dog’s body length, must allow shelter access |
| Collar Type | Well-fitted collar/harness; no choke or pinch collars |
| Food & Water | Must be accessible at all times |
| Exercise | At least 1 hour/day if confined |
| Extreme Weather | No explicit ban, but must provide suitable shelter |
| Cruelty Penalties | Up to 1 year jail/$2,000 fine for first offense |
It is legal to leave your pet chained outside in Vermont as long as you follow the state’s requirements for shelter, tether length, safety, and basic care.
However, failing to meet these standards—especially in extreme weather or for prolonged periods—can result in animal cruelty charges. Always ensure your pet’s well-being to stay within the law and provide humane care.
Sources:
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
- https://www.change.org/p/alison-clarkson-protect-vermont-dogs-from-being-tethered-or-confined-outside-too-long-in-extreme-cold-heat
- https://www.vtvets.org/assets/docs/Position%20on%20Dog%20Tethering.pdf
- https://vermonthumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Chapter-7-VT-laws-7-13-civil-ticket-and-civil-forfeiture-animal-fighting-corrections-7-15.pdf
- https://dogtime.com/reference/dog-laws/105784-vermont-dog-laws-rabies-dog-bites-abandonment-and-cruelty