Tethering and weather limits for a large Delaware dog

The Delaware Animal Services cruelty page says a dog may not be tethered for 9 hours or more in any 24-hour period, and that tethering a dog under 4 months old, or a nursing mother while the offspring are present, is not permitted. The Delaware Criminal Code, animal cruelty section lists the same limits as examples of animal cruelty, with an exception for farms.

The Delaware Code Title 16, Chapter 30F, Subchapter IV says no dog may be confined outside and unattended during a National Weather Service hazardous weather advisory or warning, or where conditions pose a serious risk to the dog. It defines outside and unattended as being exposed to the elements for longer than 15 minutes outside the owner's sight and presence, and says that includes a dog in a yard or on a tether.

1. Plan for the dog to live indoors with the family.
2. Fence the yard before the dog arrives.
3. Keep outdoor time short and supervised.
4. Skip the tether as a daily routine.
5. Know your nearest emergency veterinarian.

A provider should explain how the dog handles heat, cold and time alone. A claim that it never minds the weather is a warning sign.