Tennessee Dog Poop Laws by County
Living in Tennessee with your furry best friend means outdoor adventures, long walks, and plenty of tail wags. But with dog ownership also comes responsibility—like cleaning up after your pet. And depending on which county you live in, dog poop laws in Tennessee can vary significantly.
This no-fluff guide will walk you through the dog waste laws across Tennessee’s key counties so you can avoid fines and stay in your neighbors’ good graces.
Is There a Statewide Dog Poop Law in Tennessee?
No, Tennessee doesn’t have a single statewide law that requires dog owners to pick up poop. However, most counties and cities handle this through their local ordinances. Many areas treat uncollected dog waste as a public nuisance or health hazard, which can result in citations and fines.
So even though the state doesn’t mandate it, local governments are serious about it—and you should be too.
County-by-County Breakdown of Tennessee Dog Poop Laws
1. Davidson County (Nashville)
Nashville enforces strict pooper scooper rules under the Metropolitan Code of Laws § 8.04.060. Dog owners must clean up after their pets immediately and dispose of waste properly in a trash container.
Fines: First offenses can lead to warnings, but repeat violations carry fines of $50 or more.
If you’re wondering how your dog is aging, especially if they’re slowing down on walks, use this dog age calculator to see your dog’s age in human years.
2. Shelby County (Memphis)
Memphis requires dog owners to remove any feces left by their animals on public or private property. This is enforced under the city’s sanitation and nuisance codes.
Fines: $50 to $100, depending on how many times you’ve been reported.
Public parks and greenways often have signs and waste stations. Not using them could cost you.
3. Knox County (Knoxville)
In Knoxville, city ordinance § 18-4 makes it illegal to leave dog poop on someone else’s property or in public areas. You must pick it up immediately and dispose of it in a sanitary manner.
- First offense: $25 fine
- Second offense: $50 or more
Many local parks also have their own specific rules, and rangers do enforce them.
4. Hamilton County (Chattanooga)
Chattanooga city code § 7-14 requires pet owners to remove dog feces promptly. This rule applies in neighborhoods, sidewalks, and public parks.
Fines: Usually starts at $25 and increases with multiple violations.
Looking to learn more about your dog’s age and activity level? Try this dog age calculator—it’s helpful for keeping your pup healthy and active.
5. Rutherford County (Murfreesboro)
Murfreesboro’s city ordinance includes a pooper scooper rule under health and sanitation laws. Dog owners must carry a bag and clean up immediately when walking pets in public spaces.
Failure to comply can lead to municipal citations and fines starting at $50.
6. Williamson County (Franklin)
Franklin enforces strict pet waste laws through its public sanitation ordinances. Pet owners are required to pick up after their dogs and properly dispose of the waste—even on private lawns they don’t own.
Fines: Up to $100 per offense
7. Sumner County (Hendersonville)
Hendersonville city code requires that pet owners pick up waste immediately. The city even encourages residents to report violators through the code enforcement office.
Offenders are usually warned once, then fined if they’re caught again.
8. Blount County (Maryville)
In Maryville, pet waste laws fall under local nuisance regulations. It is illegal to allow your dog to defecate and not remove the waste from public spaces and others’ property.
Some HOAs in this county also enforce their own cleanup rules and can issue their own penalties or ban dogs from community areas.
Common Dog Waste Fines Across Tennessee
| County/City | First Offense | Repeat Offenses |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville | Warning or $50 | $100+ |
| Memphis | $50 | Up to $150 |
| Knoxville | $25 | $50–$100 |
| Chattanooga | $25 | $50+ |
| Franklin | $50–$100 | Higher or court citation |
How to Avoid Fines (And Be a Good Neighbor)
- Always carry at least two poop bags—just in case
- Use designated dog waste stations if available
- Never throw full poop bags in private trash cans or public drains
- Teach your dog to go before reaching high-traffic areas
And here’s something extra—if your dog’s slowing down or you just want to understand their stage of life better, use this dog age calculator. It helps you see their age in human years and plan for their health needs accordingly.
Do I Still Have to Pick Up If There Are No Signs?
Yes. Just because there’s no posted sign doesn’t mean the law doesn’t exist. In nearly every Tennessee city, you’re still required to pick up after your dog, even if it’s not visibly stated. Most laws assume you know your responsibilities as a pet owner.
Why Dog Poop Cleanup Matters
Dog waste isn’t fertilizer—it’s loaded with harmful bacteria and parasites. If not cleaned up, it can wash into storm drains and contaminate local waterways. It can also carry diseases like Giardia and E. coli that can affect other animals and even children.
Cleaning up shows that you care about your neighborhood and the people (and pets) who share it.
Conclusion: Scoop It and Smile
Dog poop laws in Tennessee may vary by county, but one thing is clear: you’re expected to clean up after your pup. Whether you’re in Nashville, Knoxville, or a small town in between, being a responsible pet owner means doing your part.
It’s a small task that has a big impact. Plus, it helps avoid fines and awkward moments with your neighbors. And if you want to learn more about your pup’s health journey, find out their age in human years now. It only takes a moment and tells you a lot.
Let’s keep Tennessee clean, friendly, and dog-loving—one bag at a time.