Delaware dog laws: leash, licensing, bites and breed rules

Delaware sets more dog rules at the state level than most states, including a leash rule, a licence and a court process for dangerous dogs. This summary is general information about state law and is not legal advice. Reviewed November 2026.

Leashes and licensing

A dog may not run at large outdoors at any time and must be secured by a leash that can physically restrain it. A dog is not at large if it is on its owner's real property, on private property with permission, or in a vehicle. Working dogs and dogs in designated off-leash areas are exempt.

Dog licences are issued through the Department of Health and Social Services. The owner of a dog 6 months or older must apply, and the applicant must show a valid rabies vaccination or exemption certificate. Failure to license is punishable by a fine of $50 to $500.

Rabies vaccination

Anyone owning a dog 6 months or older must have it vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. The owner of a dog that is known or suspected to have exposed a person to rabies must quarantine it strictly for at least 10 days from the exposure. If the owner cannot show a valid vaccination, the quarantine runs longer, until a veterinarian has examined the dog and vaccinated it.

Dangerous dogs and bites

Delaware law makes the owner of a dog liable for any injury, death or loss to a person or property that the dog causes. There are three exceptions: the person was trespassing or committing a crime on the owner's property, the person was committing a crime against anyone, or the person was teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog.

The Justice of the Peace Court can declare a dog "dangerous" if it killed or seriously injured a person, seriously injured a domestic animal that was on its owner's property or under the owner's control, or injured a person or animal after being declared potentially dangerous. A "potentially dangerous" finding covers a dog that attacked or injured a person, or repeatedly chased people or hurt other animals. The owner of a dangerous dog must neuter it, carry liability insurance of at least $100,000, keep it licensed, vaccinated and microchipped, confine it in a proper enclosure or keep it muzzled and on a short non-retractable leash with a responsible adult, and post a warning sign. A dog declared dangerous that later attacks or injures someone without provocation must be seized and euthanized.

Breed-specific rules

State law says municipal governments shall enact no law or regulation about dogs based on a dog's breed or perceived breed. The dangerous-dog statute adds that no dog may be declared potentially dangerous based solely on breed.

Tethering and hot cars

If a tether is the dog's outdoor enclosure, it must be at least 10 feet long, attached to a well-fitted collar that is not a choke, pinch, prong or martingale. A dog may not be tethered for more than two hours when the owner or a responsible person is not on the property, and no dog may be left outside and unattended during a hazardous weather advisory or warning.

Delaware's cruelty statute makes it an offense to confine an animal unattended in a parked vehicle at a temperature dangerous to it. A law enforcement officer, animal welfare officer or firefighter may use reasonable force to remove the animal, and the owner of the vehicle is not liable for harm to the rescuer.

Where to check your local rule

Cities and counties may add their own rules, for example on the number of dogs you may keep. Check your city or county animal control website or ordinance code. If your dog has bitten someone or has been reported, talk to a lawyer or the animal-control office.