It is not outright illegal to leave your pet chained or tethered outside in Idaho at the state level, but important legal restrictions and animal welfare standards do apply—especially through local ordinances.
State Law: No Specific Statewide Tethering Ban
Idaho has no statewide law that sets specific limits on how long or how a dog (or other pet) can be chained or tethered outside.
However, general animal cruelty laws apply: If chaining or tethering results in neglect (lack of food, water, shelter, or exposes the animal to harm or injury), it can be prosecuted as animal cruelty under Idaho Code, Title 25, Chapter 35.
If the way you chain your pet causes injury, suffering, or risk to its health, you could face legal penalties for neglect or cruelty.
Local Ordinances: City and County Rules Matter
Many Idaho cities and counties have passed their own tethering and chaining regulations. Here are some examples:
| Location | Tethering Time Limit | Minimum Tether Length | Collar/Equipment Rules | Other Key Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ada County | 12 hours/24 hrs | Not specified | No choke collars; must allow free movement, access to shelter/water | Area must be free of hazards; no continuous tethering |
| Kuna | 12 hours/24 hrs | 3x dog’s length | No choke collars; must allow free movement, access to shelter/water | No continuous tethering; area free of hazards |
| Gooding | 14 hours/24 hrs | 10 feet | No prong/pinch/choke collars unattended | Tether ≤20% of dog’s weight; cannot reach fence/object; must allow 12 feet on pulley |
| Georgetown | Not specified | 10 feet | Not specified | Must prevent tangling, reaching fences/roadways |
| Pocatello | 3 hours continuous/6 hours total | 10 feet | No choke/pinch collars | Swivel ends required; proper collar/harness |
Most local laws require:
Tethers of at least 10 feet or three times the dog’s length.
No choke, pinch, or prong collars for unattended tethering.
Areas free of hazards, and tethers must not allow pets to become entangled or reach roads/fences.
Specific time limits (often 3–14 hours in a 24-hour period).
Extreme Weather
Idaho does not have a law specifically banning leaving pets outside in extreme heat or cold, unlike some other states.
However, if leaving a pet outside in dangerous weather without adequate shelter or water results in harm, it could be prosecuted as cruelty or neglect.
What You Should Do
Check your local city or county animal ordinances before chaining or tethering your pet—rules vary widely.
Always provide adequate food, water, shelter, and a safe, clean area.
Use proper equipment: long enough tethers, no harmful collars, and make sure your pet can move freely and safely.
Never leave your pet chained for longer than local time limits or in a way that risks their health or safety.
Penalties
Violating local tethering rules or state cruelty laws can result in misdemeanor citations, fines, or seizure of your animal.
Leaving your pet chained outside in Idaho is not banned statewide, but general cruelty laws and local ordinances set important restrictions. To stay legal and humane, always follow your local rules, avoid over-chaining, and ensure your pet’s safety and well-being.
Sources
[1] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/06/30/is-it-illegal-to-leave-your-pet-chained-outside-in-idaho-heres-what-the-law-says/
[2] https://www.listenboise.com/trending/outside-animals-not-protected-by-idaho-laws
[3] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/ada-county-idaho/
[4] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/kuna-idaho/
[5] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/gooding-idaho/
