Anaheim Dog Leash Laws Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

The City of Anaheim Municipal Code Title 6 (Animal Control) requires all dogs to be restrained on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length when on any public street, sidewalk, park, trail, or other public property within city limits. The leash must be held by a competent person who is physically capable of controlling and restraining the dog. Retractable leashes, while not explicitly prohibited, must be locked at or under 6 feet when in public areas to satisfy the leash length requirement. Dogs left tied to stationary objects unattended on public property are in violation of the ordinance, as there is no competent person actively controlling the animal. The leash law applies to all breeds and sizes of dogs without exception.

Anaheim maintains several parks with designated off-leash dog park areas where dogs may exercise freely under their owner's direct supervision. Dog parks in Anaheim include the Yorba Regional Park dog run area and the Anaheim Dog Park at Founders Park. Within these designated areas, dogs may be off-leash provided they remain within the fenced enclosure, are current on vaccinations, and are under voice control of their owner. Aggressive dogs must be removed immediately. Outside of these designated off-leash areas, the citywide leash law applies in all public spaces, including all other Anaheim parks, the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), and public areas around the Anaheim Resort District.

Dog owners in Anaheim are required to immediately clean up after their dogs on all public property. Failure to remove dog waste is a separate citable offense under the municipal code. Dogs that have been declared potentially dangerous or vicious under California Food and Agricultural Code provisions are subject to enhanced restraint requirements, which may include muzzling in public, confinement in a secure enclosure on the owner's property, and mandatory spay/neuter. All dogs over the age of four months must be licensed with the City of Anaheim and must have current rabies vaccinations. Animal control services in Anaheim are provided through Anaheim Animal Care, which can be reached at (714) 765-1600 for complaints about unleashed dogs, stray animals, or animal-related concerns.

Service dogs and emotional support animals performing their designated functions are exempt from the leash law to the extent necessary for the performance of their trained tasks, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, service dogs must still be under the handler's control at all times, and the handler is responsible for the animal's behavior and waste cleanup.