In Iowa, there is no statewide law that specifically bans chaining or tethering your pet outdoors, but state law does prohibit animal cruelty and neglect. This means that while tethering a dog is generally legal, improper tethering—such as failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care—can be prosecuted as animal cruelty under Iowa Code §§ 717B.2, 717B.3A, and related statutes.
Many cities and counties in Iowa have enacted their own ordinances with stricter rules regarding tethering. For example:
- Iowa City, Iowa:
- Animals cannot be tethered and unattended for more than 30 minutes continuously in any given 3-hour period if they are more than 50 feet from the owner and not in the owner’s line of sight.
- Tethers must be at least 10 feet long.
- Metal or chain collars (excluding the buckle) and slip/noose collars are prohibited for tethering.
- Animals cannot be tethered on public property or in unsafe locations.
- Waterloo, Iowa:
- Tethers must be at least 10 feet long and not weigh more than one-eighth of the animal’s body weight.
- Tethers must be attached to a proper collar or harness; choke or prong collars are prohibited.
- Animals cannot be left tethered outdoors for long periods when temperatures are below 30°F (with wind chill) or above 85°F (heat index) without access to shelter, food, and water.
- Riverside, Iowa:
- Dogs cannot be chained or tethered to a stationary object for more than five hours during any 24-hour period.
While tethering a pet outside is not illegal statewide in Iowa, it must be done humanely and in accordance with local ordinances. Neglectful or cruel tethering practices can result in animal cruelty charges. Always check your local city or county regulations for specific restrictions. Given your prior interest in pet chaining laws, you may find these local examples particularly relevant6.
Sources
[1] https://dogtime.com/reference/106547-iowa-animal-cruelty-law-dog-chain
[2] https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/iowacityia/latest/iowacity_ia/0-0-0-2575
[3] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/iowa-city-iowa/
[4] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tethering-waterloo-iowa/
[5] https://www.riversideiowa.gov/files/code/chapter55_animal_protection_and_control.pdf
