Statewide Law
Colorado does not have a single, comprehensive statewide law that outright bans chaining or tethering pets outside for private pet owners. However, there are important regulations and anti-cruelty provisions, and many local governments have their own ordinances.
- General anti-cruelty laws apply statewide. If a dog is tethered in a way that causes injury, suffering, or endangers its health (including exposure to extreme weather), it may be considered animal cruelty and is illegal.
- State regulations for pet care facilities (like kennels, breeders, groomers) prohibit tethering except for grooming or cleaning enclosures, with specific exceptions for sled dog facilities under strict conditions (minimum 6-foot chain, no entanglement, proper collars, and protection from predators).
Local Ordinances
Many Colorado cities and counties have their own specific rules:
- Pueblo:
- Unlawful to tether an animal for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period.
- Tethering is limited to 30 minutes if the weather is detrimental (90°F+ or 40°F or lower, or during rain, snow, etc.).
- Tethers must be at least 10 feet long, and animals must not be able to reach property lines or sidewalks.
- Violations are considered animal cruelty and are a municipal offense.
- Parker:
- Tethering cannot be the primary means of containment.
- Maximum tethering: 3 consecutive hours, not more than 8 hours in 24 hours.
- Tether must be at least 3 times the dog’s length, and prevent injury or entanglement.
- Owners have 30 days to change containment if found in violation.
- Colorado Springs:
- Tethering is generally not allowed except for temporary tasks (grooming, cleaning).
- Tether must avoid risk of entanglement or injury.
Weather and Safety
- Tethering in extreme weather (hot, cold, storms) is restricted or prohibited in many local ordinances. Leaving a pet chained outside in such conditions can be prosecuted as neglect or cruelty, even if no specific tethering law exists.
Tethering Laws in Colorado
| Area | Max Tethering Time | Weather Restrictions | Other Key Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | No specific limit* | Cruelty/neglect applies | Anti-cruelty law; facility rules for businesses |
| Pueblo | 4 hrs/24 hrs; 30 mins bad weather | Yes (90°F+, 40°F-, storms) | 10 ft min tether, not near property line |
| Parker | 3 hrs at a time, 8 hrs/24 hrs | Yes | Tether 3x dog’s length, not primary containment |
| Colorado Springs | Generally prohibited | Yes | Only for temp tasks, avoid injury/entanglement |
*Except for regulated facilities, sled dog operations, and anti-cruelty statutes..
Bottom Line
- It is illegal to leave your pet chained outside in Colorado if the tethering causes harm, suffering, or endangers the animal’s health, or if it violates local ordinances.
- Many Colorado cities and counties have strict limits on how long and under what conditions a pet can be tethered outside.
- Always check your local laws and ensure your pet has adequate shelter, water, and is not exposed to dangerous conditions.
Violations can result in fines, criminal charges, and seizure of the animal.
Sources
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
- https://casetext.com/regulation/colorado-administrative-code/department-1200-department-of-agriculture/division-1202-inspection-and-consumer-services-division/rule-8-ccr-1202-15-rules-pertaining-to-the-administration-and-enforcement-of-the-pet-animal-care-and-facilities-act/part-18-special-requirements
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/colorado/pueblo-colorado/
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/colorado/parker-colorado/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/ColoradoSprings/comments/1gbcgdd/tethering_dog/
