North Carolina dog leash laws.

◦ Summary

North Carolina has no statewide dog leash law. Leashing rules are set by individual cities and counties, and most municipalities require dogs to be leashed in public except inside designated off-leash dog parks.

◦ Notes & gotchas

Day-to-day leashing requirements live in city or county ordinances. Before relying on this page, look up the specific code for your municipality — it's the binding rule, not state law. Most US cities require dogs to be leashed in public unless inside a designated off-leash area. North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 67 addresses dog ownership broadly. Charlotte/Mecklenburg County requires dogs to be leashed in public except in designated off-leash dog parks. Most other NC cities have similar ordinances.