Coyotes and Dogs: How to Keep Your Pets Safe

Coyotes live in cities, suburbs and the countryside, and most avoid people. Problems with pets are uncommon, but they do happen, especially in late winter and spring and especially with small dogs and cats left outside alone.

Here's when to be extra careful and how to keep your pets safe, based on guidance from Humane World for Animals and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Key Takeaways

• Coyote breeding season runs January through March, and dog conflicts are most likely in March and April
• Small dogs are at greatest risk, so don't leave them outside alone, especially at night
• Walk dogs on a leash 6 feet or shorter
• Keep cats indoors or outside only under supervision
• If you see a coyote, pick up or shield your dog, then be big and loud

When Coyotes Are Most Active Around Pets

Coyotes breed from January through March. Pups are usually born in the spring, and the parents guard their dens closely. Conflicts between dogs and coyotes can happen any time of year, but they're more likely in March and April, when coyotes are setting up dens and become especially territorial.

During breeding season, coyotes may also confront larger dogs they see as a threat to their territory.

How to Protect Your Dog

• Don't leave dogs outside unattended, especially small dogs and especially at night. Stay with them in the yard, even if it's fenced.
• Never chain a dog outside. A chained dog can't get away.
• Use a leash 6 feet or shorter on walks, so your dog stays close enough to pick up or move behind you.
• Keep pet food and water indoors, and secure trash and compost so your yard doesn't attract wildlife.
• Never feed coyotes, and discourage neighbors from doing it. Fed coyotes lose their fear of people and pets.

Fencing that works

A fence that keeps coyotes out needs to be at least 6 feet tall and extend at least 6 inches underground, or run at least 12 inches flat along the ground and be secured. Even with good fencing, supervise small pets outside.

Keep Cats Safe

Coyotes do kill cats. The safest choice is to keep your cat indoors, or let them outside only under supervision. A catio or leash training lets an indoor cat enjoy the outdoors safely.

What to Do if You See a Coyote While Walking Your Dog

1. Pick up your dog if you can, or move them behind you.
2. Be big and loud. Stand tall, wave your arms, yell and make noise with a whistle or air horn until the coyote leaves.
3. Use what you have. A squirt bottle, or a stick or stone thrown toward it, can encourage a lingering coyote to move on.
4. Leave the area calmly once the coyote has gone, and stay alert on the way home.

Carrying a whistle or air horn on walks during spring makes this easier. Don't approach a coyote that seems sick or injured, since its behavior can be unpredictable. Report it to your local animal control or wildlife agency.

New Rescue Dog? Take Extra Care

A newly adopted dog doesn't know your neighborhood yet and may be more likely to bolt. Keep them leashed outdoors, make sure their ID and microchip are current and work on a reliable recall. See how to teach a rescue dog to come when called and our guide to GPS trackers for rescue pets.

For more seasonal safety tips, read preparing your rescue pet for weather changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is coyote mating season?

Coyotes breed from January through March. Conflicts with dogs are most likely in March and April, when coyotes are denning.

Will a coyote attack my dog?

It's uncommon, but small dogs left outside alone are at greatest risk. During breeding season, coyotes may also confront larger dogs near their territory or den.

How tall should a fence be to keep coyotes out?

At least 6 feet, extending at least 6 inches underground or at least 12 inches flat along the ground.

What should I do if a coyote follows me and my dog?

Pick up your dog or keep them behind you, face the coyote, and be big and loud until it leaves. Then calmly leave the area.

Keep Your Pets Close

A few simple habits keep pets safe through coyote season. Looking for a dog to share your walks? Search adoptable dogs near you on WeRescue.

Find Your Perfect Pet Match

Sources: Humane World for Animals, Coyotes, Pets and Community Cats, Humane World for Animals, Coyote Hazing Guidelines, New York State DEC, Coyote Conflicts

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