◦ No statewide leash law
West Virginia dog leash laws.
◦ Summary
West Virginia 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.
◦ Related state statute
W. Va. Code § 5A-4-4
Leashing on capitol and governor's mansion grounds
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
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.
Last reviewed October 2026. Not legal advice. Verify with your municipality before relying on it.