Adequate Shelter

We educate communities on the suffering and public safety concerns of tethering dogs outside and advocate for shelter and anti-tethering ordinances.

Close-up of a black and white Siberian Husky dog with pointed ears and amber eyes, wearing a collar and chain leash.

  • Across the United States, millions of dogs endure their entire lives confined outdoors by chains affixed to collars and staked to the ground, left with nothing to shield them from extreme weather conditions. Typically, these animals are denied socialization with people and other animals. Since dogs are social, active animals, keeping them tethered causes them to suffer both physically and psychologically. Many are neglected and left to suffer and die, especially when adequate shelter is not provided, compromising public safety. Local adequate shelter and anti-tethering ordinances support the humane treatment of outdoor dogs while enhancing public safety.

    What is Adequate Shelter? Adequate shelter refers to the standards of the structures or nature available to shield dogs from weather conditions when they are left outside. When shelter is inadequate, dogs are left vulnerable to cold, heat, and storms, or have limited access to food and water.

    Inadequate shelter is inhumane. This is a cruelty issue as well as a safety issue. Dogs lefts without shelter while tethered may become irritable and aggressive. The short radius afforded to them by their chains limits the dogs to a small area of what often becomes hard-packed mud and their own feces. Dogs can become entangled in their chains, causing injury and even death. Due to the tugging against their restraint, the collars can cause irritation and even become embedded in the tissue or rub the flesh raw.

    Tethered dogs without adequate shelter are often neglected. Although tethered dogs might be provided some shelter, it is often inadequate; and the animals are subjected to weather extremes – heat, bitter cold, rain, or snow. Many tethered dogs are not provided with regular food and water and receive inadequate veterinary care.  

    Adequate shelter laws would reduce aggression in dogs. Continual confinement makes dogs extremely frustrated, leading to an increased desire to chase and bite. In addition, certain dogs become territorial over their limited space and therefore will act aggressively toward people who approach their area. The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are proponents of responsible dog ownership and have stated, “Confine your dog in a fenced yard or dog run when it is not in the house. Never tether or chair your dog because this can contribute to aggressive behavior.”

    Many jurisdictions have recognized that inadequate shelter and chaining is cruel. Limiting the amount of time dogs can be tethered and prohibiting dogs from being tethered, especially in extreme weather, will protect both people and animals. Several states have passed laws outlawing the chaining of dogs or limiting the amount of hours that dogs can be chained, and hundreds of communities have anti-tethering ordinances.

  • Review anti-tethering and adequate shelter ordinances. The number of cities in Ohio that have passed anti-tethering ordinances is over 50 and growing, including Akron, Ashtabula, Cleveland, Columbus, Delaware, Eastlake, Mentor, Willoughby, and Youngstown. In fact, Anderson Township, Dennison and Lyndhurst implemented emergency measures to pass their anti-tethering ordinances citing the need for preservation of the public peace, health, safety and welfare. The number of cities in Ohio that have passed adequate shelter ordinances is over 30 and growing fast, including Akron, Canal Winchester, Canton, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Delaware, Millersburg, Sunbury, and Toledo.

    Adequate Shelter Ordinances:

    Anti-Tethering Ordinances:

    *Three Ohio ordinances were prepared under emergency measures stating it was “necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety and welfare.”

    Additional Ohio cities with anti-tethering/adequate shelter ordinances: Brunswick, Canton, Delaware, Euclid, Howland Township, Lyndhurst, Maple Heights, Marietta, Niles, North Canton, Poland Township, Poland Village, South Euclid, Tallmadge, Toledo, Warren, West Carrolton, Whitehall, Willoughby.

  • If you want to help with the issue of dog tethering, there are several actions you can take to raise awareness and support legislative change. Here’s a comprehensive list of strategies to help end the practice of harmful dog tethering:

    Educate the Public About the Dangers of Tethering

    • Share pamphlets, brochures, or online resources about the risks of tethering with local pet stores, veterinary clinics, schools, and community centers. Focus on informing people about how tethering leads to behavioral problems, physical harm, and emotional distress in dogs.

    • Use your platform to spread information about the dangers of tethering. Share videos, articles, and infographics that highlight the negative effects of tethering on dogs. Use hashtags like #EndTethering, #DogsDeserveBetter, or #TetheringIsCruel to increase visibility.

    • Organize community talks, workshops, or seminars that educate pet owners and the public on the humane treatment of dogs, including the dangers of tethering. Partner with local shelters, veterinarians, or animal rights organizations to host these events.

    Advocate for Stronger Laws Against Dog Tethering

    • Many cities have laws that regulate or restrict tethering, but in some places, these laws are weak or nonexistent. Support or campaign for stronger laws that limit the duration and conditions under which dogs can be tethered. Some laws already exist in certain regions to protect animals from extended tethering, so advocate for their expansion and enforcement. Write letters or emails to your local lawmakers, urging them to enact or strengthen regulations related to dog tethering.

    • Some countries, including parts of Europe, have enacted outright bans on tethering dogs. Work with local animal welfare organizations to push for similar bans or regulations where you live. This can be achieved through petitions, lobbying efforts, and public campaigns.

    Promote Alternatives to Tethering

    • Advocate for the use of fenced yards or dog runs, or even humane containment systems such as enclosed dog pens, instead of tethering. These provide dogs with a safe, enclosed space to move around and play, while also protecting them from potential danger.

    • Promote alternatives to tethering that focus on enriching the dog's life. Suggest daily walks, socialization, and mental stimulation through toys or training as healthier alternatives for owners who believe tethering is necessary.

    Report Instances of Cruel Tethering

    • If you see a dog being tethered in unsafe or abusive conditions (e.g., left outside in extreme weather, tied up with no access to shelter, food, or water), report it to local animal control or a humane law enforcement agency. In many areas, tethering laws exist to protect animals from harm, and local authorities can investigate cases of neglect. Visit our Resources list for where to report cruelty in your area.

    Support Local Animal Shelters and Rescues

    • Many shelters and rescue organizations advocate against dog tethering and promote humane treatment of animals. Volunteer your time to support the protection and adoption of dogs that have been victims of tethering. If you have the resources, adopt or foster dogs that have been rescued from situations involving tethering or neglect. These dogs often need socialization and rehabilitation before they can be adopted out to permanent homes.

    Collaborate with Animal Advocacy Organizations

    • Join forces with organizations that are already fighting against harmful tethering practices, such as Ohio Animal Advocates. We provide resources and advocate for policy changes to end the practice of dog tethering.

    Encourage Humane Education in Schools

    • Many children grow up unaware of the cruelty that can be associated with tethering. Work with schools to create humane education programs that teach children about the proper care of pets, the dangers of tethering, and the importance of empathy for animals. Advocate for school programs that educate children about pet care and animal welfare. Encouraging a compassionate attitude toward animals from a young age can lead to better pet care and responsible ownership in the future.

    Provide Information on Tethering Laws and Animal Rights

    • Many pet owners may not know that tethering dogs for long periods is illegal or heavily regulated in certain areas. Help educate the public on local laws regarding animal welfare and tethering by providing them with information on their rights and responsibilities as pet owners.

    • Share information on social media about laws that restrict tethering in your area or the benefits of abandoning the practice altogether. Post stories or videos that showcase positive alternatives to tethering.

    Support Community Programs for Pet Owners Facing Financial Insecurity or Low Income

    • Some families may tether their dogs because they cannot afford the cost of fencing or other containment systems. By supporting programs that help pet owners with veterinary care, food, and supplies, you can reduce the need for practices like tethering.

    Ending the practice of dog tethering requires a combination of education, advocacy, and direct support. By raising awareness about the harmful effects of tethering, promoting humane alternatives, and supporting policy changes, you can help make a significant difference in the lives of dogs and their owners. Every action counts toward creating a safer and more compassionate world for dogs.

  • Resource Materials:

    • OAA Resources: find where to get free pet food (many animal shelters can also provide limited food), low-cost pet spay/neuter services, and report animal abuse (when in doubt, call your local law enforcement or humane officer).

    Literature & Toolkits:

    Websites:

Check out our other Advocacy areas of focus: