on September 10, 2026

Utah Dog Poop Laws

Quick answer: Utah has no statewide pooper scooper law. Picking up after your dog is regulated city by city, and all three of the largest cities we checked have an ordinance requiring it. Salt Lake City publishes a set ticket of $50.

Why Utah leaves it to cities

Utah has no statewide dog-waste statute. Utah Code 10-8-65 lets municipalities license, tax, regulate or prohibit the keeping of dogs and dispose of dogs at large contrary to ordinance. City pickup rules are enforced as infractions or misdemeanors, and Utah Code 76-3-301 caps fines at $750 for an infraction or class C misdemeanor and $1,000 for a class B misdemeanor.

  • Municipal regulation of dogs: Utah Code 10-8-65 (read it)
  • Fine maximums: $750 infraction or class C misdemeanor, $1,000 class B misdemeanor: Utah Code 76-3-301 (read it)

Pooper scooper laws in Utah's largest cities

Each row comes from the city's own municipal code. "Up to" is the most a court can impose, not a standard ticket. Where a city publishes no amount, we say so rather than estimate one.

City Ordinance Fine Must carry a bag
Salt Lake City Salt Lake City Code 8.04.370(B)(5) (Animal nuisances designated); Ord. 13-16 (2016) $50 Yes
West Valley City West Valley City Municipal Code 23-5-101(1)(e) (Animals causing a nuisance) Not published No
West Jordan West Jordan City Code 6-3D-8(A)(5) (Nuisance animals); 2001 Code 14-4-108 Up to $1,000 No

The rule people miss: carrying the bag

In Salt Lake City, the law does not just require you to pick up. It requires you to be carrying something to pick up with, so walking out without a bag can be an offense on its own even if your dog never goes.

A bag holder on the leash solves that for good. Ours is the Walk Dispenser, which clips on and holds a full roll.

Worth knowing about Utah

  • Salt Lake City requires carrying pickup tools and lets first-time violators reduce or waive the fine by taking a responsible pet ownership class.
  • West Valley City and West Jordan use nuisance language nearly identical to Salt Lake City's but without the carry requirement.

Common questions

Is it illegal to not pick up dog poop in Utah?

There is no statewide law, but every one of the largest cities we checked has a pickup rule, and most smaller towns have similar ordinances. Check your own city or county code.

How much is the fine for not picking up dog poop in Utah?

It depends on the city. Salt Lake City: $50. West Jordan: Up to $1,000. West Valley City does not publish an amount.

Do I have to carry a poop bag in Utah?

In Salt Lake City, yes. The ordinance requires you to have a means of removal with you while walking your dog.

Other states in the West

California · Washington · Arizona · Colorado · Oregon · Nevada · New Mexico · Idaho

See all 50 states · How scoop laws work in general

Sources

Checked 2026-09-10. Ordinances change, so if you are dealing with an actual citation, read the current code at the link rather than relying on this page.

This page is general information, not legal advice.