Idaho does not have a statewide law that specifically prohibits chaining or tethering pets outside under most circumstances. Unlike many other states, Idaho has not enacted comprehensive legislation regulating how long or under what conditions a pet can be left chained or tethered outdoors. This means, at the state level, it is generally not illegal to leave your pet chained outside, unless the situation rises to the level of animal cruelty or neglect under general anti-cruelty statutes.
General Animal Cruelty Laws
While there is no explicit tethering law, Idaho’s general animal cruelty statutes could apply if a pet is left chained in a way that causes harm, suffering, or puts the animal’s health at risk. For example, if a dog is left without access to food, water, or adequate shelter, or is exposed to extreme weather conditions without protection, the owner could potentially be cited for animal cruelty.
No State Law for Extreme Weather
Unlike some states that prohibit leaving animals outdoors in extreme heat or cold, Idaho law does not set temperature limits or time restrictions for outdoor pets. There is also no law allowing bystanders to intervene (such as breaking a window to rescue a pet in distress), and doing so could result in legal penalties for the person intervening.
Local Ordinances: Stricter Rules in Some Cities and Counties
Several Idaho cities and counties have enacted their own tethering and chaining regulations, which are often stricter than state law:
- Eagle, Idaho:
No animal may be kept continuously tethered for more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period. Tethering must not prevent the animal from reaching shelter or water, and the area must be free of hazards. - Ada County:
Similar to Eagle, continuous tethering is limited to 12 hours per day, and animals must have access to food, water, and shelter. Tethering that causes entanglement or prevents movement is prohibited. - Aberdeen, Idaho:
Tethering is limited to three continuous hours (six hours total per day), unless using a trolley system, which allows up to eight hours. The tether must be at least 10 feet long and not exceed one-eighth of the animal’s body weight. Female dogs in heat may not be tethered at all.
If you live in or travel through a specific city or county, always check local ordinances, as these can be much stricter than state law.
Table
| Jurisdiction | Tethering/Chaining Law? | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho (statewide) | No | Only general cruelty laws apply |
| Eagle | Yes | Max 12 hours/24h; must allow access to shelter |
| Ada County | Yes | Max 12 hours/24h; must allow access to shelter |
| Aberdeen | Yes | Max 3 hours (6 total); trolley: 8 hours; other rule |
- Statewide in Idaho, it is not illegal to leave your pet chained outside, unless it amounts to cruelty or neglect.
- Many Idaho cities and counties do have their own tethering laws, which may set strict time limits and care requirements.
- Always check your local regulations to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
Leaving a pet chained outside for long periods, especially without adequate shelter, food, or water, can still result in animal cruelty charges—even if there’s no specific tethering law—if the animal’s health or safety is endangered.
Sources
[1] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[2] https://www.listenboise.com/trending/outside-animals-not-protected-by-idaho-laws
[3] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/eagle-idaho/
[4] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/aberdeen-idaho/
[5] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/ada-county-idaho/
