Vermont Dog Poop Laws by County: What Pet Owners Need to Know
If you own a dog in Vermont, there’s one thing you must do every time you go for a walk—clean up after your pet. While Vermont doesn’t have a statewide dog poop law, nearly every town and county has rules in place to keep public spaces clean.
This article breaks down Vermont dog poop laws by county so you can avoid fines, stay on good terms with your neighbors, and be the responsible dog owner your pup deserves.
Is There a Statewide Law for Dog Poop in Vermont?
No, Vermont doesn’t have a single law that applies to dog poop across the entire state. However, state nuisance laws allow towns and cities to create local rules, and nearly all of them do. If you fail to clean up after your dog, you could face fines—even if there’s no sign posted.
County-by-County Breakdown of Dog Poop Laws in Vermont
1. Chittenden County (Burlington, South Burlington, Essex)
Burlington, the largest city in Vermont, enforces a strict dog poop cleanup ordinance. Under City Ordinance § 5-16, pet owners must remove and dispose of dog waste immediately.
Fines: $50 for the first offense, $100 for repeat offenses.
This rule is enforced in parks, sidewalks, trails, and residential areas. And if you’re curious about how old your dog really is, use this dog age calculator to find out in seconds.
2. Washington County (Montpelier, Barre)
Montpelier’s city ordinance requires pet waste cleanup from public and private property. Dog waste must be disposed of properly in trash receptacles.
Many parks in Barre and Montpelier offer waste bag dispensers, but carrying your own is a must.
Fines: $25–$100 depending on the violation history.
3. Rutland County (Rutland City, Rutland Town)
Both Rutland City and Rutland Town have animal control laws requiring pet owners to clean up after their animals. Leaving poop behind is considered a public nuisance.
Repeat violations can lead to formal complaints and enforcement by local police or animal control.
4. Franklin County (St. Albans)
St. Albans enforces local ordinances mandating dog owners to pick up waste. The law applies in parks, sidewalks, and residential neighborhoods.
- First offense: Warning or $25 fine
- Second offense: $50 fine or more
5. Windham County (Brattleboro, Bellows Falls)
Brattleboro’s health code includes pet waste as a sanitation concern. Pet owners must clean up after their animals and dispose of the waste correctly.
Fines: Vary between $25 and $75 based on local enforcement.
If your dog is getting older, knowing their true age helps manage walks and care better. Check your dog’s human age now.
6. Windsor County (Hartford, Woodstock)
Woodstock and Hartford have municipal ordinances requiring immediate cleanup of dog feces. This applies to trails, downtown areas, and neighborhoods.
Visitors and tourists are also expected to comply, especially in busy tourist zones like Woodstock Green.
7. Addison County (Middlebury)
Middlebury’s public space ordinances treat uncollected pet waste as a nuisance. If reported, pet owners can be fined or receive a citation from local authorities.
Local pet-friendly businesses may even refuse entry to dog owners known for ignoring cleanup duties.
8. Bennington County (Bennington, Manchester)
Bennington and Manchester have pooper scooper laws that apply to all public spaces. Dog owners are expected to carry bags and dispose of waste properly at home or in designated trash bins.
HOAs in these towns often have stricter enforcement policies within gated communities or condo associations.
Fines for Dog Waste Violations in Vermont Counties
| County/City | First Offense | Repeat Offense |
|---|---|---|
| Burlington | $50 | $100+ |
| Montpelier | $25 | $100 |
| Brattleboro | $25 | $75 |
| St. Albans | $25 | $50 |
| Rutland | $25–$50 | $100+ |
Tips to Stay Compliant and Be a Great Dog Owner
- Always carry extra waste bags when you walk your dog
- Use biodegradable bags to help the environment
- Never leave full bags on trails or in the woods
- Dispose of waste in home bins or designated public trash cans
And if you’re not sure if your senior dog still needs long walks, use this dog age calculator to get their age in human years—it’s a quick way to adjust their care.
What If There Are No Signs Posted?
Even if you don’t see a sign, you’re still responsible. Most towns in Vermont treat dog poop as a public health issue, and local laws apply with or without signage. If you’re caught, you may still face a fine.
When in doubt, scoop it up and toss it in the trash. It’s the right thing to do.
Why Picking Up Dog Poop Matters
Besides avoiding fines, picking up dog poop prevents the spread of diseases like E. coli, roundworms, and Giardia. It also protects local waterways from pollution, especially in rainy seasons when waste can wash into storm drains.
Clean sidewalks and parks make your neighborhood a better place—for people and pets alike.
Conclusion: Keep Vermont Clean and Dog-Friendly
In Vermont, dog poop laws are set at the city and county level—but the message is consistent: clean up after your dog. Whether you live in Burlington, Montpelier, or a small rural town, scooping your dog’s poop is part of being a responsible pet parent.
Bring bags, use them, and dispose of waste the right way. And while you’re at it, check your dog’s age in human years to better understand their care needs.
Let’s work together to keep Vermont clean, healthy, and welcoming—one walk at a time.