The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have strict leash laws that apply to all animals, except cats. Animals must be on a leash, contained within a fence or an operable and marked invisible fence. An animal may be loose in its own yard if there is an adult (18 years or older) immediately next to the animal and the animal responds to direct verbal commands of the person. For more information on laws pertaining to cats, see the nuisance animal section.

All regulations aim to protect the health and safety of our citizens. Please be a responsible pet owner and abide by the law. Violations will be investigated and stiff fines can be applied. Fines range from a $50 citation for the first violation to a $500 citation and permanent seizure of the animal for a fifth violation.

Call 311 to report an animal at large.

For the exact language of the animal control ordinance(s) summarized above, please consult Chapter 3 of the Charlotte City Code.