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

Under the City of Dublin's Animal Control ordinance (Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 5.36), no owner may allow a dog to run at large in any public place, or on private property other than the owner's, unless the dog is securely restrained by a substantial leash not to exceed six (6) feet in length and is in the charge and control of a person competent to keep the dog under effective control. A dog is considered 'at large' when it is off the owner's premises and not under restraint by leash or chain or otherwise controlled by a competent person. The City contracts with the Alameda County Sheriff's Office for animal control, with field services and enforcement run through the East County Animal Shelter at 4595 Gleason Drive in Dublin. The City's park regulations reinforce the leash rule: dogs must remain under the complete control of their owners and on a leash at all times except when inside a designated dog park, and those are the only places in Dublin's parks where dogs may be off-leash. Limited exceptions in Chapter 5.36 allow a dog to work off-leash while hunting wild birds or game, or herding or guarding domestic animals, provided it stays under effective control and does no harm.