Pennsylvania dog leash laws.

◦ Summary

Pennsylvania is one of only three US states with a statewide leash requirement. 3 P.S. § 459-305 requires every dog owner to keep their dog confined, secured, or under reasonable control of a person — which courts have consistently interpreted as a leash requirement in public.

◦ Related state statute

3 P.S. § 459-305

One of only two states with a general confinement and control duty

Citation via Table of State Dog Leash Laws, Rebecca F. Wisch, Animal Legal & Historical Center, Michigan State University College of Law. Check the current state code before relying on it.

◦ Notes & gotchas

The state statute is broad — Pennsylvania case law has treated "reasonable control" as requiring physical restraint outside the owner's premises. Cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh add specific leash-length rules (typically 6 feet) but cannot weaken the state baseline.