If you’re planning a day trip to Hoover Dam, heading out to Lake Mead, or just exploring the quieter side of Southern Nevada, you might find yourself in Boulder City with your dog. Boulder City is known for being a peaceful, charming community — but when it comes to dogs in public spaces, the rules are just as important to know as they are in the busier parts of Las Vegas. Before you leash up and head out, here’s everything you need to know about dog leash laws in Boulder City — explained clearly and concisely.

A Quick Overview of Boulder City

Boulder City is located about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas and is technically part of Clark County, but it’s its own independent city with its own government and its own animal control laws. That means you’re not following Clark County or Las Vegas leash rules when you’re here — you’re following Boulder City’s.

Boulder City is famous for being one of only two cities in Nevada that prohibits gambling — and overall, it has a quieter, more relaxed vibe compared to Las Vegas. But relaxed doesn’t mean lax — animal control here takes leash laws seriously.

The Leash Rules in Boulder City

If you’re walking your dog anywhere in Boulder City — whether it’s through a neighborhood, down the historic district sidewalks, along a trail, or visiting one of the parks — your dog must be on a leash at all times when in public. This rule is simple and strictly enforced across the city. It doesn’t matter if your dog is perfectly trained to heel or if you’re in a quiet area — if you’re in a public space, your dog needs to be leashed.

The leash itself also has to meet specific requirements. It cannot exceed six feet in length. That means whether you’re using a traditional leash, a rope lead, or a retractable leash, you need to keep it locked or limited so that your dog stays within six feet of you. Boulder City’s goal with this rule is to make sure dogs are always close enough to be under immediate control, especially in areas with pedestrians, cyclists, or wildlife.

This leash law applies everywhere considered a public or shared space. That includes city parks, sidewalks, public trails, downtown plazas, parking lots, and communal areas inside RV parks, mobile home communities, and campgrounds. Unless you’re in your own private, enclosed yard, your dog should be properly leashed anytime you’re outside your home.

There are very few exceptions to this rule. Boulder City does not currently have dedicated off-leash dog parks, and outside of occasional temporary fenced areas during special events, you should plan on keeping your dog on a leash at all times during your visit.

What Happens If You Break the Leash Law?

Violating the leash law in Boulder City isn’t something that’s taken lightly, even though the town has a more relaxed vibe compared to Las Vegas. If you’re caught with your dog off-leash in a public space, you can expect to face consequences. For first-time offenses, fines typically start around $100 to $250, depending on the situation. However, those fines can increase significantly if you’re a repeat offender or if your dog causes any kind of damage, injury, or disturbance while off-leash.

In more serious cases — especially if an unleashed dog harms someone, attacks another animal, or causes a traffic accident — you might be required to appear in court. Boulder City animal control officers and law enforcement take public safety seriously, and dog owners can be held legally responsible if something goes wrong while their dog is off-leash.

There’s also the possibility of impoundment if your dog is picked up loose. If that happens, you’ll be responsible for paying reclaim fees to get your dog back, and you’ll need to show proof of current vaccinations and legal ownership. Boarding fees at the shelter can add up quickly, especially if there are delays in reclaiming your dog.

Even if your dog is perfectly friendly and you’re confident in their off-leash manners, accidents can happen fast — a startled cyclist, a loose cat running across the street, or a loud noise could easily cause a normally calm dog to bolt. Staying compliant with Boulder City’s leash laws isn’t just about avoiding tickets — it’s about keeping your dog, other pets, and the people around you safe.