Fullerton Dog Leash Laws Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

The City of Fullerton Municipal Code requires that all dogs be restrained on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length whenever they are off the owner's private property and on any public street, sidewalk, park, trail, parking lot, or other public area within the city. The leash must be held by a person who is physically capable of controlling and restraining the dog. Retractable leashes are permitted but must be locked at 6 feet or shorter when in public areas with pedestrian traffic. Dogs may not be tethered to stationary objects and left unattended on public property.

Fullerton's leash law applies in all city parks, including the popular Hillcrest Park, Laguna Lake Park, Craig Regional Park (shared with Brea), and the Juanita Cooke Greenbelt Trail. The high volume of pedestrian and bicycle traffic on these trails and in these parks — combined with the presence of families, children, and other dogs — makes leash compliance an important safety issue. Fullerton's location in a densely populated area of northern Orange County means that public parks and trails see heavy use year-round, and off-leash dogs can create conflicts with other park users and wildlife.

The City of Fullerton provides designated off-leash dog park facilities where dogs may be exercised without a leash under the direct supervision of their owner. At these facilities, dogs must remain within the fenced off-leash area, and owners must pick up after their dogs, maintain visual contact at all times, and immediately leash and remove any dog that exhibits aggressive behavior. Dogs using the off-leash areas must be currently licensed and vaccinated.

All dogs four months of age and older residing in Fullerton must be licensed through the city and must have a current rabies vaccination on file. Dog licenses are available through the Fullerton Police Department. Spayed and neutered dogs receive a reduced license fee. Dogs that are found running at large — meaning off the owner's property without a leash and not under the direct control of a responsible person — may be impounded by animal control officers and held at the OC Animal Care shelter. Owners must pay impound and boarding fees to reclaim their animal, and the dog must be currently licensed and vaccinated before release.

Fullerton residents should also be aware that the California Food and Agricultural Code provides the statewide framework for dangerous dog declarations. A dog that bites or attacks a person or another animal without provocation may be declared potentially dangerous regardless of breed, triggering additional confinement and insurance requirements for the owner. Contact the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6800 for animal control inquiries, licensing, or to report a loose or aggressive dog.