Alameda, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Alameda enforces its own leash ordinance rather than relying on Alameda County. Municipal Code Section 7-3.8 (Leashing) states it is unlawful for any person owning or having control of a dog to allow it on any public street, alley, or other public place unless the dog is 'securely fastened by a rope, chain or leash of sufficient length and strength to maintain control of the animal and under the supervision of a responsible person,' or confined on the owner's private property. The code does not specify a maximum leash length in feet; it requires only a leash sufficient to maintain control. Leashing requirements do not apply in areas the City officially designates as 'Dog Parks' or 'Dog Runs,' with the exception of leash rules for potentially dangerous animals under Section 7-10.9(b)(2). The City operates two designated off-leash areas: the fenced Alameda Dog Park at Lower Washington Park (near Robert Crown Memorial Beach) and the Main Street Dog Park near the ferry terminal. Separately, Section 7-3.14 bans dogs entirely from the City-owned South Shore Beach. Unleashed dogs found at large may be seized and impounded under Section 7-3.12. Animal control field services are handled by the Alameda Police Department working with the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS).