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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Leash length allowed
Up to six feet
Unattended tether limit (public place)
15 minutes
Fixed-object tether limit
3 hours per 24 hours
Enforcing agency
Animal Control Division, Police Department
Impound hold (licensed dog)
At least 10 days

Summary

Antioch bans letting a dog run at large: AMC § 6-1.102 defines "at large" as unsecured on the owner's property or off a leash longer than six feet, and § 6-1.501(C) makes it unlawful to allow any animal, including a dog, to roam loose or enter a park, playground or school unleashed.

AT LARGE. An animal that is: (i) not secured or enclosed on the owner's property; or (ii) not under restraint by a substantial leash no longer than six feet and within the care, custody and physical control of a competent person authorized to be at that location. An at-large animal does not include a cat. ... It is unlawful for a person owning an animal to do any of the following. ... (C) Allow an animal to be at large (or to be at a public park, playground or school unless under leash restraint); (see definition of "at large" at § 6-1.102.)

View official code

Full Breakdown

Antioch's Animal Control chapter, adopted by Ord. 102 as an animal that is not secured or enclosed on the owner's property, or not under restraint by a substantial leash no longer than six feet and within the care, custody and physical control of a competent person, and the definition expressly excludes cats. 01(D). 501(J) caps tying a dog to a fixed object like a fence or doghouse at three hours in any 24-hour period. 201. 702(B). 703(A).

Violations & Fines

Allowing a dog to run at large is a misdemeanor under § 6-1.204(B)(1), though the citing officer can charge it as an infraction, and it is enforceable instead by civil injunction, administrative citation, or nuisance abatement at the city's discretion. A convicted owner is barred from keeping another dog of that type for three years under § 6-1.205.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a dog being "at large" in Antioch?
Under § 6-1.102, a dog is at large if it is not secured on the owner's property and not on a leash of six feet or less under the physical control of a competent person. That definition applies to dogs and other animals, but the code specifically excludes cats from the at-large rule.
Can I tie my dog up outside a store while I run in?
Briefly, yes. Section 6-1.501(I) allows temporary tethering in a public place while the owner is inside for a specific purpose, but it cannot exceed 15 minutes, and § 6-1.501(J) separately limits tying a dog to a fence, tree or doghouse to three hours in any 24-hour period.
What happens if Animal Control picks up my loose dog?
If your dog's ownership is already known, the Animal Control Supervisor can return it and issue you a citation instead of impounding it, under § 6-1.702(B). Otherwise the dog goes to the Antioch Animal Services Center and, if licensed, is held at least ten days before further action under § 6-1.703(A).

Sources & Official References

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All Antioch rules

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