Posted by Waste Happy
on September 10, 2026
Quick answer: Yes. Burlington requires dog owners to pick up after their dogs under Burlington Code of Ordinances § 5-17. The set ticket for a first offense is $200, and $250 for a repeat.
What the Burlington ordinance says
| Ordinance | Burlington Code of Ordinances § 5-17 (Removal of dog and cat waste required); nuisance § 5-4(a)(4); penalties § 5-24 |
|---|---|
| Fine | $200 |
| Repeat offense | $250 |
| Must carry a bag | No |
| Service animal exemption | No |
How the penalty works
§ 5-24 (as amended by ordinance of 3-24-25): a civil violation with a fine of $200 to $250 for a first offense in any 12-month period (waiver fine $200), $250 to $350 for a second (waiver $250), and $350 to $500 for a third or later (waiver $350). Violators may also be referred to restorative justice through the Burlington Community Justice Center.
The carry rule
No carry requirement. The owner, keeper or person in control is responsible for removing any defecation on public or private property (§ 5-17), and an animal that defecates off the owner's premises without immediate removal is a nuisance animal (§ 5-4(a)(4)). Exemption: none stated.
How Burlington compares
At $200, the Burlington ticket is higher than South Burlington ($50) and Rutland ($50).
In practice
Pick up every time, bag it, and put it in a trash can. That is the one method that satisfies every ordinance in the country. The Walk Dispenser clips to the leash and holds a full roll.
Elsewhere in Vermont
Vermont dog poop laws covers the state and its other large cities. Nearby: South Burlington dog poop law · Rutland dog poop law. All 50 states.
Source
Checked 2026-09-10 against the Burlington municipal code. Codes change, so read the current version before relying on this for an actual citation.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
