Can you be fined for walking your dog off leash in Denver?

Anyone who lets their dog “run at large” outside their property or designated off-leash areas in Denver could be fined up to $300.

The city’s leash law requires that dogs be leashed unless they are inside one of the city’s 17 dog parks, where they must be accompanied by someone age 16 or older. Though dogs can be off leash in dog parks, their caretakers must always have a leash with them and be in control of their dog. 

First-time leash law offenders can receive an $80 ticket, which increases to $150 after the second violation and $300 thereafter. Denver Parks and Recreation issued 1,023 tickets for leash law violations in 2025, including 72 for repeat offenses. 

Broomfield, Thornton and Aurora have similar leash laws. Boulder offers annual licensing that allows dogs to be off leash in designated areas under “voice and sight control.”