Living rule book
NYC dog and animal rules on one block
Each number marks a rule. Pick a number to zoom in and read the rule with its official source. Open it to read the full rule page.
- Not allowed
- Allowed
- What the rule is about
- Distance in the rule
Plain-language summaries. The official text linked with each rule is the law. Not legal advice.
All rules on this street
The same rules as the drawing, in order.
1. Dog mess on the sidewalk
Not allowed · NYC Health Code § 161.03(a)
A person who owns or controls a dog, cat or other animal must not let it commit a nuisance on a public sidewalk, or on the fence, stairway or entrance of a building next to a public place.
Official sources
Read the rule →2. Leash no longer than 6 feet
Allowed · NYC Health Code § 161.05(a)
In a public place, or an open, unfenced area next to one, a dog must be held by a leash or other restraint not more than 6 feet long.
Official sources
Read the rule →3. Tied up outside a store
Allowed · NYC Admin Code § 17-197(a)
No one may tie an animal to a fixed object outdoors for longer than 3 continuous hours in any 12-hour period. A tied animal needs adequate food, water and shelter, unless the owner is doing a task of 15 minutes or less.
Official sources
Read the rule →4. No animals in a restaurant
Not allowed · NYC Health Code § 81.25
No live animal may be kept in, enter or stay in a food service establishment. Service dogs for people with disabilities, police working dogs, edible fish and fish in aquariums are exempt.
Official sources
Read the rule →5. Waste in rat-proof bins
Not allowed · NYC Health Code § 151.02(b)
Garbage and other waste must be kept in tightly covered, watertight receptacles that resist rodents and other pests, until it is moved out for a scheduled pickup in a suitable bag or container.
Official sources
Read the rule →6. Rat burrows
Not allowed · NYC Health Code § 151.02(a)
Property that can attract or support rats and other pests must be kept free of them and of conditions that draw them. The person in control must take the steps needed to prevent and control them.
Official sources
Read the rule →7. No dogs in playgrounds
Not allowed · 56 RCNY § 1-04(i)(2)
Licensed, vaccinated dogs on a leash of 6 feet or less may enter a park, but never a playground, zoo, pool, fountain, ballfield, or basketball, handball or tennis court. Service animals are allowed as the law permits.
Official sources
Read the rule →8. Off-leash hours in parks
Allowed · 56 RCNY § 1-04(i)(3)
In designated park areas, licensed, vaccinated dogs may be off leash from opening until 9 AM and from 9 PM until closing. They must stay under control and be leashed at once when an officer or Parks employee says so.
Official sources
Open the official source →9. Dog runs
Allowed · 56 RCNY § 1-05(s)(3)
In fenced park areas named as dog runs, licensed, vaccinated dogs may be off leash. Users must obey the posted rules and show proof of rabies vaccination and license when asked.
Official sources
Open the official source →10. Pick up after your dog in parks
Allowed · 56 RCNY § 1-04(j)(1)
In a park, a person whose dog discharges fecal matter must promptly remove it and dispose of it.
Official sources
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