How and where to walk a dog — new rules that you need to know
This year, the topic of dog walking has become relevant again. There are a number of innovations in the field of animal treatment, which are aimed at creating a safe urban environment for both citizens and pets. In particular, it is forbidden to walk large breeds of dogs for children, as well as adults under the influence of alcohol. The amount of fines for walking in the wrong place has also increased. For more information, see the Izvestia article.
New rules for dog walking in 2025-2026
The regulation of dog walking legislation in Russia continues to evolve. The changes are aimed at achieving a balance between the interests of pet owners and other citizens. The key changes that came into force in 2025 and are planned for 2026 are aimed not just at tightening existing regulations, but, above all, at creating a new, more comfortable infrastructure.
At least three categories — children under the age of 14, drunk and incapacitated citizens — may be prohibited from walking dogs whose height at the withers exceeds 30 or 40 cm. Among them are Rottweilers, Alabai, German Shepherds, Huskies, Dobermans, bull terriers and other potentially dangerous and large breeds.
In addition, it is planned to expand the list of potentially dangerous dogs, since many large animals, such as the Rottweiler, are not included in this list, as well as strengthen surveillance of "dangerous" breeds. Owners of such animals are advised to have documents confirming the breed with them in case of disputes.
Potentially dangerous dog breeds
In Russia, the list of potentially dangerous dogs includes 12 breeds and their mestizos, such as the American Bulldog, North Caucasian dog, pit bull Mastiff, bandog (or bandog) and wolf-dog hybrids. The list also includes breeds used for bullying and native breeds that have not been selected for human loyalty and whose behavioral characteristics are not fully understood. Their walking is allowed only in a muzzle and on a leash, except when the dog is in the fenced territory of the owner. It is also planned to expand this list in 2025, but specific breeds other than those already mentioned have not yet been approved.
Another important innovation was the rule according to which the owner will bear increased responsibility for the aggressive behavior of the dog. If the owner is aware of the pet's propensity to attack, he is obliged to take proactive measures, including the mandatory use of a muzzle in public places.
A bill has also been prepared that obliges pet owners to clean up after pets not only when walking, but also in common areas in apartment buildings. The procedure for carrying out these measures will be determined by local authorities.
The document also introduces a ban on visiting shops, cafes, restaurants, medical, educational and cultural institutions with dogs, with the exception of guide dogs. In addition, the rules for the transportation of pets are regulated. In public transport, the pet must be on a short leash, muzzled or carried.
At the same time, owners are required to comply with regional laws on silence, preventing barking, whining and other noise made by the dog at night.
Playgrounds for dogs will be equipped according to GOST
However, the most significant breakthrough in the regulation of dog walking is expected from April 1, 2026, when the first national standard (GOST), approved by Rosstandart, comes into force. A new document called "Landscaping of common areas for dog owners" is designed to eliminate the chaos in the organization of special sites.
Until now, their arrangement has not been regulated, which often led to the creation of non-functional and sometimes dangerous zones. For the first time, the document defines key concepts such as "infrastructure for dog owners", "playground for dogs" and establishes principles for the placement, design and maintenance of play, training and recreational areas for dogs.
GOST defines uniform parameters for the organization of such territories, as well as requirements for gaming equipment and professional obstacles, which are fulfilled taking into account international standards and recommendations of the Russian Cynological Federation.
According to VTsIOM, more than 38% of Russians keep dogs, and more than 25 million pets live in the country's cities. However, until now, the requirements for the arrangement of playgrounds and territories for walking, training and playing with animals have not been legally fixed. The new GOST fills this gap and will be another important step in creating a comfortable urban environment, taking into account the needs of the population.
Requirements for walking areas
- Dimensions: the minimum size of the playground is 200 square meters, the training area is 1500 square meters.
- Fencing: the height of the fence must be at least 2 m.
- Coating: the surface must be safe for animals, for example, made of sand-gravel mixture or rubber modules.
- Equipment: waste collection containers, canopies and benches for owners, as well as lighting are required.
- Location: playgrounds should be located at a distance of 40-500 m from residential buildings, but away from children's and sports areas.
"Beware, angry dog": the rules of walking outside the city
The rules of dog walking outside the city correspond to the general norms of behavior in public places. The main requirements are the use of a leash and muzzle, especially for potentially dangerous breeds, cleaning of excrement and observing the "quiet hour".
Without a leash and muzzle, a pet can only be in a fenced area belonging to the owner. However, if the potential danger of the animal is unknown to others, it is necessary to place a warning sign. It must be hung on a fence or gate so that it is visible to those passing by.
Do I need a muzzle for a puppy
The law obliges all dogs to walk on a leash in public places. A muzzle is required for a puppy if it belongs to a potentially dangerous breed, and for all other dogs it is recommended in crowded places, on public transport, or when visiting a veterinarian.
Dogs of small breeds (below 25 cm at the withers) and puppies younger than 3 months old, as a rule, can walk without a muzzle. However, according to dog handlers, a leash and muzzle can be good tools for training a pet.
It is necessary to teach the puppy to them, starting from 1.5–2 months, even during quarantine after vaccinations, while the puppy cannot walk outside.
How will fines for dog walking change
Fines are provided for walking dogs in the wrong place or without a leash in crowded places. Their size is set at the regional level. In 2025, owners will have to pay 1,500 to 3,000 rubles for violating the rules, depending on the region.
For more serious violations, such as assaulting a person, the fines may be higher. In addition, administrative penalties are provided for evading the registration of dogs and their rabies vaccination.
Moreover, legislation in this area is being tightened. For example, in Moscow, according to the new rules, appearing with a dog without a leash and muzzle in shops, institutions, playgrounds, as well as walking near schools, kindergartens and medical institutions is punishable by fines: for citizens — from 1.5 thousand to 3 thousand rubles, for officials — 5-15 thousand rubles, for legal entities — 15-30 thousand rubles.
In St. Petersburg, the owner can pay from 2000 to 4000 rubles for finding a dog without a leash outside the place of detention. As for a dog with a height of more than 40 cm at the withers, the owner will be fined from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles. A fine of 1,000 to 3,000 rubles is provided for dog walking in places where street performances, celebrations, events, playgrounds, beaches and public buildings are held.
Earlier, Izvestia told how to prepare a dog for the first snow.
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