San Diego County, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length limit
- 6 feet or less
- Scope
- Unincorporated area only
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Animal Services
- Voice-control exception
- Allowed on private property
- Governing section
- County Code § 62.669
Summary
Dogs in unincorporated San Diego County must be leashed, under direct voice control, or enclosed at all times: letting a dog run at large violates County Code § 62.669 and can trigger a citation or impoundment.
(a) A dog's owner or custodian or a person who has control of a dog shall prevent the dog from being at large, except as provided in subsections (b) and (d) below. ... (c) A dog's owner or custodian ... shall keep the dog: (1) leashed or tethered as allowed under Health and Safety Code section 122335, (2) under direct and effective control by voice or electronic pet containment system or (3) in a building or enclosure that is adequate to ensure the physical confinement of the dog and that also meets humane standards.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 62.669 requires a dog's owner, custodian, or handler to prevent the dog from being 'at large' anywhere in unincorporated San Diego County. On private property the dog must be leashed or tethered, under direct and effective voice or electronic-containment control, or confined in an adequate enclosure. A 'leash' is defined as rope, strap, chain, or similar material six feet or less in length held in a person's hand: a dropped leash still counts as at large. Narrow exceptions cover a dog assisting with legal hunting, herding livestock, on public property with written agency permission, or working with law enforcement.
Violations & Fines
County Department of Animal Services staff or peace officers can capture an at-large dog, issue a citation, or impound it under § 62.676; impound notices are posted at the owner's door when no one is home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Diego County require dogs to be leashed at all times?
How long can a leash be under county law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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