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

8 of the Fairfield Municipal Code bars any dog from running at large on a street, alley, sidewalk, or other public place, or on private property that isn't the handler's own, unless the dog is restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six feet and kept under the control of someone capable of managing it. The only carve-outs are a City designated area or dog park, or a dog riding inside an enclosed motor vehicle. 7 layers on a stricter rule for parks, schools and commercial districts: dogs cannot run at large there at all except in a designated dog park, and any dog caught doing so is seized and impounded immediately, no warning first.

9 exempts ranches or similar undeveloped property, where dogs may run loose with the owner's permission as long as a competent person keeps reasonable control, though unspayed females in season are excluded from that exception. 3. Officers appointed under California Penal Code Section 832 and Civil Code Sections 6078-6079 carry authority to write citations or make arrests for chapter violations. 19 limits when a leash violation on the owner's own property can trigger impoundment versus a citation only, giving some protection to dogs that stray and return home.