The BC SPCA opposes tethering dogs without due regard for their welfare, given the risk of misuse; however, the BC SPCA recognizes that tethering dogs may be required in limited circumstances.

In such instances, it is the responsibility of the guardian to ensure that if a dog is to be tethered, it complies with applicable laws and regulations and is done in a way that minimizes potential negative welfare impacts.

Tethering limits choice, control and the ability to display species-specific behaviours. This may lead to negative emotional states such as fear, anxiety, and frustration.

If a tether is to be used, the BC SPCA recommends a running tether over a fixed tether.

Best practices for a tether include:

• Providing access to food and safe water¹;
• The tether is of size, weight and/or material that will not cause discomfort or injury^1,3;
• The attachment to the tether is either a flat collar, martingale collar, or harness that is correctly fitted to the dog²;
• The minimum length of tether is 1.83m or 6ft 3in to enable the full and unrestricted movement of the animal^1,2;
• The dog is tethered away from obstructions or other animals that would cause injury to the animal should the tether become entangled⁴;
• The tether is not in proximity of high traffic areas, including vehicles, people and other animals⁴;
• The tethering period is less than four (4) hours within a 24-hour period²;
• The dog has access to shelter to protect against extreme weather¹ and is tethered in terrain that is reasonably dry and flat⁴;
• The dog is supervised or checked on frequently;
• The tether keeps the dog within the boundaries of the guardian’s property.

 

Approved by the Board of Directors – September 2025
(replaces previous version, December 1982)

Background

Tethering is securing an animal to an anchor point to confine them to a desired area⁴. There are two primary types of tethers: 1) fixed tether, in which the anchor point is fixed and 2) running tether, in which the anchor point moves freely along a wire⁴. Tethering of dogs has the potential to negatively impact a dog’s welfare.

As of 2022, 24 states in the United States have laws against chaining and/or tethering⁵. The total number of jurisdictions with tethering laws or bylaws in Canada is unclear. A 2025 BC SPCA review of British Columbia municipalities found that 11 municipalities had bylaws banning the tethering of dogs, while an additional four municipalities have bylaws regulating their use.

The BC SPCA recommends alternatives to tethering of dogs, including:

• Secure fencing when possible (e.g. yards or dog runs)
• Leashed walks to allow the dog opportunities to explore new environments
• Off-leash time in designated off-leash areas, if appropriate
• Increased training and enrichment to address behaviours that make it challenging to keep the dog indoors

 

The BC SPCA recognizes that in certain circumstances, tethering may be the only option to contain a dog safely; for example, a dog guardian without a fenced yard or run may consider tethering to allow the dog outdoor access, tethering may be used to contain a dog who can escape a fenced area, to keep them away from hazards in a yard, or while camping or travelling. However, tethering dogs outdoors increases the likelihood of exposure to extreme weather, increased risk of injury or disease, and potential adverse interactions with wildlife, humans, or other dogs⁶.

In instances when dogs must be tethered, they should not be tethered using equipment that is likely to cause the dog physical or psychological harm, including but not limited to:

• Where they are attached to the tether with anything other than a flat collar, martingale collar, or harness that is correctly fitted to the dog²;
• Where a choke or prong collar forms part of the restraint²;
• Where a rope, cord, or chain is tied directly around the dog’s neck².

 

Sled dog activities are regulated in British Columbia. Sled dog housing and care, including tethering, must be in compliance with the Sled Dog Standards of Care Regulation and Code of Practice³. Those who house sled dogs on tethers are encouraged to meet the recommendations in this position statement to further enhance the welfare of their dogs.

Limited research exists in dogs to show the impacts of tethering compared to different confinement methods, such as fencing. However, there is evidence in other species that tethering by the neck causes increased stress and behaviour changes^7,8. Preliminary data found that sled dogs who were housed tethered without the opportunity to exercise off-tether displayed increased repetitive behaviours compared to those housed untethered⁹.

Tethering dogs for extended periods increases the likelihood of isolation from other dogs and people. Raising and housing dogs under conditions of social and environmental restriction can result in negative behavioural outcomes such as increased barking, running away and aggression⁶. A study of risk factors for dog bites found that dogs chained in a yard were 2.8 times more likely to bite than unchained dogs¹⁰. In a study assessing characteristics of dog bites in children arriving at a trauma centre, 18% of dog bites occurred when a dog was tethered and within reach of the child¹¹. Another study found that, in fatal dog bite cases where the dog belonged to the victim, 38% of the fatalities involved a chained dog¹².

While limited research exists in this area, this position statement was developed using a risk mitigation approach based on the available scientific evidence, bylaws, and position statements from organizations around the world.

Background updated – September 2025

See also:
Animal Training
Selective Breeding of Companion Animals
Dangerous Dogs and Public Safety
Companion Animal Handling and Restraint
Companion Animal Confinement
Responsible Companion Animal Sourcing

References

1. Standards of care for dogs kept outdoors. (2022). Available at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/standards-care-dogs-kept-outdoors. Accessed: February 19, 2025.
2. BC SPCA. (2017). New Model Animal Responsibility Bylaws. Available at: https://spca.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/BC-SPCA-Model-Animal-Responsibility-BylawsSept-2017.pdf. Accessed February 13, 2025.
3. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. (2022). Sled Dog Standards of Care Regulation. Available at: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/21_2012#section3. Accessed: February 19, 2025.
4. Animal Welfare Victoria. (2025). Code of practice for tethering of animals. Available at: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/pocta-act1986/victorian-codes-of-practice-for-animal-welfare/code-of-practice-for-the-tetheringof-animals-revision-2. Accessed: February 10, 2025
5. Wisch, R.F. (2023). Table of state dog tether laws. Michigan State University College of Law. Available at: https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws. Accessed February 10, 2025.
6. Takáčová, D., Skurková, L., Mesarčová, L., Lešková, L., Kottferová, L., Packová, A., Vajányi, D.,& Kottferová, J. (2021). Dog tethering in Slovakia: Legal, Ethical and Behavioral Aspects and Dog Welfare Implications. Animals, 11(3): 594. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030594
7. Adams, M.R., Kaplan, J.R., Manuck, S.B., Uberseder, B., & Larkin, K.T. (1988). Persistent sympathetic nervous system arousal associated with tethering in cynomolgus macaques. Laboratory Animal Science, 38(3), 279– 281. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3411914/
8. Williams, E., Clark, N., Rendle-Worthington, J. & Yon, L. (2022). Behaviour and Welfare Impacts of Releasing Elephants from Overnight Tethers: A Zimbabwean Case Study. Animals, 12(15): 1933. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151933
9. White, J., McBride, E. A., & Redhead, E. (2006). Comparison of tethering and group-pen housing for sled dogs [Poster presentation]. Universities Federation for Animal Welfare Conference 2006, London, UK. http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/55343
10. Gershman, K.A., Sacks, J.J. & Wright, J.C. (1994). Which dogs bite? A case-control study of risk factors. Pediatrics, 93: 913–917. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8190576/
11. Reisner, I.R., Nance, M.L., Zeller, J.S., Houseknecht, E.M., Kassam-Adams, N. & Wiebe, D.J. (2011). Behavioural characteristics associated with dog bites to children presenting to an urban trauma centre. Injury Prevention, 17, 348-353. https://doi.org/10.1136/ip.2010.029868
12. Patronek, G. J., Sacks, J. J., Delise, K. M., Cleary, D. V., & Marder, A. R. (2013). Co-occurrence of potentially preventable factors in 256 dog bite–related fatalities in the United States (2000–2009). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 243(12), 17261736. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.243.12.1726

Definitions

Guardian: A person who or an organization that is primarily responsible for the welfare, care and management of an animal. An owner may be referred to as a guardian, but the term guardian is preferred in order to express that the relationship is one of responsibility for the care of an animal, not just ownership of property.

Tethering: Securing an animal to an anchor point to confine them to a desired area⁴.

Flat collar: A simple collar that lies flat around a dog’s neck and does not tighten when pulled. Can be a variety of widths.

Martingale collar: A collar with a loop of chain or fabric that allows the collar to tighten slightly when pulled. These collars are often used to prevent escape, especially for dogs who have narrow heads.

Choke collar: A looped collar, often made of chain, that tightens when pulled.

Prong collar: Sometimes also called a pinch collar, these collars are often made of metal and have numerous protrusions circling the neck. When pulled, the collar tightens slightly and the protrusions cause pressure around the neck.