Leash rules: Vienna

sourcedchecked on 28 October 2026

Summary

Leash or muzzle, at certain places, dangerous dogs

The rule

In public places such as streets, squares, agricultural and forestry land, freely accessible parts of houses, courtyards, restaurants and allotment gardens, as well as in shared courtyards and stairwells of residential complexes, dogs must either wear a muzzle or be led on a leash in such a way that they are under control at all times (§ 5 Abs. 1). In publicly accessible parks and on marked lawns for lying on, a leash requirement applies (§ 5 Abs. 2). Dog zones and dog exercise areas designated by the municipal authority (Magistrat) by ordinance are exempt from this (§ 6 Abs. 1).

More details from the source

Exceptions

Rescue, therapy, assistance and service dogs in deployment and training, and dogs actively taking part in an event (§ 5 Abs. 6); hunting dogs on hunting duty from § 5 Abs. 1 to 3 (§ 5 Abs. 7).

Muzzle

Muzzle requirement at places with larger crowds of people, e.g. in restaurants, on public transport, in shops and at events (§ 5 Abs. 4), and for dogs that bite in all public places (§ 5 Abs. 3). Dogs subject to the dog licence requirement need a muzzle and leash in public places, except in dog zones fenced on all sides; in dog exercise zones that are not fenced, a muzzle is compulsory for them, puppies up to six months are exempt (§ 5a Abs. 12).

Source

RIS (Landesrecht Wien): Wiener Tierhaltegesetz, LGBl. Nr. 39/1987, version of 28.10.2026

checked on 28 October 2026