In Washington, it is not outright illegal to leave your pet (specifically dogs) chained or tethered outside, but there are strict regulations designed to protect animal welfare. The law focuses on preventing inhumane or reckless tethering, rather than banning the practice entirely.
Key Legal Requirements
- Adequate Food, Water, and Shelter: It is illegal to leave a dog tethered for a “reckless period of time” without providing access to food, water, and shelter. The dog must also be protected from excessive heat or cold and placed in a safe, sanitary area.
- Tethering Equipment: Dogs cannot be tethered with choke, pinch, slip, halter, or prong-type collars. Only properly fitted buckle-type collars or harnesses are allowed, and the tether must not cause choking or injury.
- Freedom of Movement: The tether must not be so heavy or short that it impedes the dog’s ability to sit, stand, or lie down comfortably. Dogs must not be left in a way that forces them to sit, stand, or lie in their own excrement or urine.
- Health and Age Restrictions: It is illegal to tether sick or pregnant dogs, or dogs under six months old.
- Weather Conditions: Tethering during severe weather advisories is prohibited unless the animal has adequate shelter to keep it safe, dry, and protected.
- Multiple Dogs: Each dog must be on a separate tether and not secured to the same fixed point.
Enforcement and Penalties
- First Offense: Typically results in a warning.
- Repeat Offenses: Can lead to civil infractions or animal cruelty charges in severe cases.
- Local Ordinances: Cities and counties may have additional or stricter rules. For example, Arlington, WA, requires tethers to be at least ten feet long and prohibits tethering within ten feet of a public right-of-way.
Summary Table: What’s Required When Tethering a Dog in Washington
| Requirement | Statewide Law | Example (Arlington, WA) |
|---|---|---|
| Food, water, shelter | Required | Required |
| Safe, sanitary conditions | Required | Required |
| Collar type | Buckle/harness only | Buckle/harness only |
| Tether length | Not specified | Minimum 10 feet |
| Health/age restrictions | Yes | Yes |
| Weather restrictions | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple dogs | Separate tethers | Separate tethers |
Leaving your pet chained outside in Washington is legal only if you meet all state and local requirements for humane tethering. Failing to do so can result in warnings, fines, or even animal cruelty charges in severe cases. Always check your local ordinances for additional rules before tethering your pet outdoors.
Sources:
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
- https://dogtime.com/reference/106622-washington-animal-cruelty-law-dog-chain
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/washington-state-implements-new-dog-tethering-laws-thompson
- https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/apr/19/new-bill-signed-into-law-protecting-tethered-dogs/