In South Carolina, it is not strictly illegal to leave your pet, such as a dog, chained or tethered outside, but there are clear legal restrictions designed to ensure pets’ welfare and prevent neglect or cruelty. The key state-level law prohibits leaving a pet chained for more than 14 continuous hours in any 24-hour period. This rule exists to protect animals from distress or suffering caused by long-term restraint, which can lead to physical or psychological harm.
When tethering is used, the law requires that pets have access to proper shelter, clean water, and food at all times. The shelter must adequately protect the animal from extreme weather, such as heat, cold, rain, or snow. The tether or chain must be of suitable length, allowing the animal to move freely and avoid entanglement or injury. The aim is to prevent the animal from being trapped, stuck, or exposed to hazardous or inhumane conditions for any length of time.
Penalties for breaking these laws range from fines to criminal charges, and, in severe cases, your pet may be removed by authorities if it is found to be in danger or distress due to improper chaining or neglect. Local ordinances in South Carolina may have stricter rules, so you should always check city or county regulations in addition to state law. For example, some localities prohibit any unsupervised chaining or limit tethering to fewer hours than the state allows.
There are exceptions for temporary, supervised tethering like brief outdoor activities or training sessions. Working dogs and service animals may be allowed longer periods of restraint if required for their duties, but those situations are also expected to meet safety and welfare criteria.
It is legal in South Carolina to leave a pet chained outside for up to 14 hours in a 24-hour period, provided they have adequate shelter, food, and water, and the tether allows freedom of movement. Violating these rules can carry legal consequences, and communities may enforce stricter standards—so always confirm details in your town or county. The underlying focus of the law is on preventing suffering and ensuring responsible pet care.
Sources
[1] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/31/is-it-illegal-to-leave-your-pet-chained-outside-in-south-carolina-heres-what-the-law-says/
[2] https://www.lancastercountysc.gov/186/Ordinances
[3] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/central-south-carolina/
[4] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/florence-south-carolina/
[5] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
