Alameda County requires dogs to be leashed in all public places including streets, sidewalks, and parks, except in designated off-leash areas. Leash length is limited and owners must maintain control at all times.
Alameda County Code Title 6 (Animal Control) requires all dogs in public to be restrained on a leash no longer than six feet held by a person capable of controlling the animal. This applies in unincorporated streets, sidewalks, county parks, and open space preserves except in designated off-leash dog parks such as at Point Isabel (Regional) or specific East Bay Regional Park District areas. Retractable leashes are permitted but must be locked to six feet or less in crowded areas. Violations can result in fines starting at $100 for a first offense, escalating for repeat violations. Dogs at large may be impounded at the Alameda County Animal Shelter in Dublin. Service animals under ADA are exempt from some restrictions but must still be under handler control.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle dog leash laws.
See how Castro Valley's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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