The state-level rules every owner and walker in Kentucky should know. Local leash lengths, licensing and off-leash rules are set by each city — find those on the city pages below.
Kentucky is a strong strict-liability state, and its statutory definition of "owner" explicitly includes the dog walker or sitter — so the moment you accept custody you're strictly liable for any damage the dog does.
Kentucky (KRS 258.235(4)) is a strong strict-liability state: any owner whose dog causes damage to a person, livestock, or property is responsible for that damage — no negligence, no prior knowledge, no one-bite — and it covers more than bites (any damage). The statutory owner definition (KRS 258.095) is broad: it reaches anyone who keeps or harbors the dog, has it in their care, or permits it on their premises. Kentucky sources are explicit that this includes a dog walker or sitter — so a Kentucky walker is a statutory owner and strictly liable, one of the clearest keeper/custody regimes anywhere.
Kentucky applies comparative fault (KRS 411.182) — a victim's own fault reduces recovery — and children under 7 cannot be contributorily negligent. The defenses are trespass and provocation; vets and groomers may have a limited assumption-of-risk argument. Dangerous-dog matters run through a district-court complaint process.
There is no statewide leash law — leash rules are local. The personal-injury limit is a short one year.
This is general information about Kentucky law, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with the official state and municipal sources.