What Is the Tennessee Leash Law?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 11, 2023

The leash law in Tennessee states that a pet dog must be under control of its owner at all times and cannot run at large. A dog can be on its owner’s property without a leash, but it cannot stray onto another person’s property or out into the street and into public areas.The exception to this law is when the dog is legally hunting or herding.

When the leash law is violated in certain counties of Tennessee like Hamilton, the dog that is running at large can be impounded and placed in a shelter for at least 5 days. The pet owner will get his dog back after paying an impound fee. The impound fee will increase with each subsequent impoundment of the animal.