Local rules
What professional dog walkers in New York are expected to know — in plain language, with the actual citations.Verified by the Top Dog SF team · September 2026
Dogs must be on a leash or restraint not exceeding 6 feet. That's the Parks rule and it applies to every dog in your pack individually. Retractable leads that let a dog roam past six feet don't satisfy it even when the dog is technically attached to you.
56 RCNY 1-04(c)(2) · official source
Every NYC dog needs a license and current rabies vaccination, and here it's operationally your problem too: a dog cannot lawfully use an off-leash area unless it is licensed AND rabies-vaccinated. Ask new clients to show you the license and rabies tag before the first walk.
NYC Health Code Art. 161; 56 RCNY 1-04(c)(3)
The full pack — plus state and U.S.-wide baselines and an assessment localized to New York — is included with the Certified Professional Dog Walker.
Get certified — with New York rules included →This is educational guidance for dog-care professionals, not legal advice. Rules change — always confirm with the official source before relying on a rule.