Calaveras County, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Calaveras County Code Section 6.10.010 makes it unlawful for any person owning or having custody of a dog to permit it 'to be at large.' Section 6.04.030 defines 'at large' as 'an animal off the premises of its owner, and not under restraint by means of a leash or otherwise under the immediate control of the owner.' The County Code therefore does not impose a fixed leash length for at-large control on private or general unincorporated land, but a dog off its owner's property must be leashed or under immediate control. A third violation within a twenty-four-month period is a misdemeanor. In county recreation areas and parks, Section 12.20.240 is stricter: it is unlawful to have any dog or domestic animal 'in the park except on leash not longer than six feet, and attended at all times,' and dogs are barred from swimming areas, beaches, food-service areas, and posted camping areas between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Section 6.10.050 separately bars dogs from public school property, public parks, and cemeteries except in limited cases (e.g., training, organized functions, or where posted to allow leashed dogs). Calaveras County Animal Services enforces these provisions in the unincorporated area.