In Delaware, it is not entirely illegal to leave your pet chained outside, but there are strict regulations in place to ensure the safety and well-being of dogs.
The state has implemented laws that limit the duration and conditions under which a dog can be tethered outdoors.
Tethering Regulations
Time Limits
As of 2025, Delaware law restricts the amount of time a dog can be tethered outside:
Dogs cannot be tethered for more than nine consecutive hours when the owner or a responsible adult is home.
If no one is home, dogs can only be tethered for a maximum of two hours.
During extreme weather conditions, dogs can only be kept outside for 15 minutes.
Weather Restrictions
The law prohibits leaving dogs outside unattended during hazardous weather conditions:
- When the National Weather Service issues a heat or cold advisory or emergency for the area.
- When the temperature is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).
- During thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical storms, and hurricanes.
Tethering Requirements
When tethering is allowed, the following conditions must be met:
Tether Specifications
- The tether must be at least 10 feet long.
- It should allow the dog convenient access to its shelter, food, and water containers.
- The tether must not weigh more than 1/8 of the dog’s body weight.
- Both ends of the tether must terminate with a swivel.
Collar Requirements
- The tether must not be attached directly to the dog’s neck.
- It should be connected using a buckle-type collar or body harness at least one inch wide.
- Choke, pinch, prong, or martingale collars are prohibited for tethering.
- Shelter and Care
When dogs are kept outside, owners must provide:
- A structurally sound shelter that is moisture-proof, windproof, and has clean, dry bedding.
- The shelter must be raised above the ground and sized appropriately for the dog.
- Fresh drinking water and wholesome food in adequate amounts.
- Shade separate from the shelter structure for protection from sunlight.
Special Considerations
Puppies less than four months old and nursing mothers with puppies present cannot be tethered.
Multiple dogs must be tethered in a way that prevents them from coming into contact with each other.
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Enforcement and Penalties
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in civil penalties:
- First violation: $100 fine
- Second violation: $250 fine
- Subsequent violations: $500 fine per incident
- Additionally, violators may face animal removal and potential criminal prosecution for animal cruelty.
Recent Legislative Changes
In 2025, Delaware strengthened its dog tethering laws, reducing the maximum tethering time from 18 to 9 hours.
This change aims to improve enforceability and animal welfare, recognizing the detrimental effects of long-term tethering on dogs’ physical and psychological health.
While tethering is not entirely banned in Delaware, these comprehensive regulations reflect the state’s commitment to protecting dogs from neglect and ensuring their well-being when kept outdoors.
Pet owners are encouraged to provide their dogs with proper shelter, care, and companionship, minimizing the use of tethering as much as possible.
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