Aliso Viejo, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 6.04.010 sets two restraint rules for dogs in the City of Aliso Viejo. On private property, a dog must be restrained by a fence, wall, substantial chain, leash not exceeding six feet in length or other appropriate physical restraint, or be under the charge of a person competent to exercise care, custody and control. On public property, the dog must be on a substantial chain or a leash not exceeding six feet and under the charge of such a person. The only off-leash route is written permission from the owner or operator of that public property. The duty falls on anyone owning or having charge, care, custody or control of the dog, and it applies whether the lapse is willful or a failure to exercise due care.

The at-large provision for animals in § 6.04.340 does not govern dogs, because § 6.04.330 defines "animal" for that article to exclude cats and dogs but include livestock. Related duties sit beside the leash rule. Under § 6.04.060, anyone with an animal on public property or another person's private property must carry a spade, scoop, plastic bag or similar implement, except within 50 feet of an immediately accessible dispenser, and must put collected feces in an appropriate waste receptacle. Animals in obedience classes or a show under a city special event permit, and guide dogs, are exempt. Section 6.04.050 bars letting any animal trespass on another person's private property without consent. Under § 6.04.020, an unsterilized female dog in heat must be strictly confined in a building or enclosure adequate to hold her.

Every dog four months or older needs a city license procured within 15 days after the dog turns four months, backed by proof of an approved rabies vaccine, and must wear its current tag except in listed cases such as confinement within the owner's premises (§§ 6.04.100, 6.04.110). Dog owners must also take all reasonable precautions to prevent their dogs from biting or attacking anyone (§ 6.04.080).