Posted by Waste Happy
on September 10, 2026
Quick answer: Yes. Dover requires dog owners to pick up after their dogs under Dover Code of Ordinances § 18-8. The fine for a first offense is at least $25.
What the Dover ordinance says
| Ordinance | Dover Code of Ordinances § 18-8 (Excrement); fines in Appendix F, Chapter 18 |
|---|---|
| Fine | At least $25 |
| Repeat offense | $25 |
| Must carry a bag | No |
| Service animal exemption | Yes |
How the penalty works
Appendix F lists § 18-8(g) violations at not less than $25 nor more than $1,000. Chapter 18 fines are mandatory and nonsuspendable at the minimum for each offense, and double automatically if not paid within 14 days of issuance. No separate repeat-offense amount is published.
The carry rule
No carry requirement. § 18-8(b) requires immediate removal and disposal in a toilet or in a nonleaking container placed in a trash or litter receptacle. Exemption: § 18-8(c) exempts guide dogs accompanying blind persons, dogs assisting other physically disabled persons, city police animals, and horses used for transportation on public roadways.
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 Delaware
Delaware dog poop laws covers the state and its other large cities. Nearby: Wilmington dog poop law · Newark dog poop law. All 50 states.
Source
Checked 2026-09-10 against the Dover 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.
