Vermont law does not outright ban chaining or tethering a dog outside, but it sets strict requirements to ensure the animal’s welfare.
Key Legal Requirements
- Tether Length:
If a dog is predominantly kept outdoors on a tether, the tether must allow the dog to walk a distance in any one direction that is at least four times the length of the dog, measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail. This ensures the dog has adequate room to move. - Adequate Shelter:
Dogs kept outdoors must be provided with adequate shelter to prevent direct exposure to the elements, such as rain, snow, wind, or sun. The shelter must be large enough for the dog to turn around, stand, sit, and lie down comfortably. - Minimum Living Space:
The law specifies minimum floor space requirements for dogs based on their weight, ensuring they are not confined in cramped conditions. - Animal Cruelty:
Leaving a pet chained outside without meeting these requirements—or in a way that endangers the animal’s health or safety—can be prosecuted as animal cruelty, which carries penalties including fines and possible jail time.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Humane officers and law enforcement can seize animals being cruelly treated, including those improperly tethered or left without adequate shelter.
- Violations of Vermont’s animal cruelty laws can result in up to one year in jail and/or fines up to $2,000 for a first offense, with harsher penalties for repeat or aggravated offenses.
Summary Table: Vermont Law on Chaining/Tethering Dogs
| Practice | Legal? | Conditions/Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Chaining/tethering a dog outside | Yes, with limits | Tether must allow 4x dog’s length; adequate shelter required |
| Inadequate shelter/space | No | Violates animal cruelty laws |
| Endangering animal’s health | No | Subject to seizure and prosecution |
Bottom Line:
It is legal to leave your pet chained outside in Vermont only if you provide a sufficiently long tether, adequate shelter, and proper living space. Failing to meet these requirements can result in animal cruelty charges and serious penalties.
SOURCES
[1] https://law.justia.com/codes/vermont/title-13/chapter-8/section-365/
[2] https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/20/193
[3] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[4] https://vermonthumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Chapter-7-VT-laws-7-13-civil-ticket-and-civil-forfeiture-animal-fighting-corrections-7-15.pdf
[5] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/vermont/
