Huntington Beach Dog Leash Laws Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsThe Short Version
Huntington Beach requires that all dogs be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet when on any public street, sidewalk, park, or public area. Dogs are prohibited from Huntington City Beach and Bolsa Chica State Beach at all times, with the exception of the designated Huntington Dog Beach — a popular off-leash beach area between Seapoint Street and 21st Street on Pacific Coast Highway. At Huntington Dog Beach, dogs may be off-leash on the sand and in the surf but must be under voice control at all times. All dogs over four months of age must be licensed and vaccinated for rabies through the City of Huntington Beach.
Full Breakdown
Huntington Beach Municipal Code Chapter 7.12 governs animal regulations within the city, including leash requirements for dogs. All dogs must be on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length whenever they are on any public street, sidewalk, park, trail, or other public area within the city. Dogs found running at large are subject to impoundment by Huntington Beach Animal Control.
Huntington Beach is home to the well-known Huntington Dog Beach, a designated off-leash beach area located along Pacific Coast Highway between Seapoint Street and 21st Street. At Huntington Dog Beach, dogs are permitted to be off-leash on the sand and in the surf, provided they remain under voice control of their handler at all times. Owners must immediately clean up after their dogs and dogs that are aggressive or not under voice control must be leashed. This off-leash beach has operated for decades and is a major attraction for the city, drawing dog owners from across Southern California.
Outside of Huntington Dog Beach, dogs are prohibited from all other sections of Huntington City Beach, the Huntington Beach Pier area, and Bolsa Chica State Beach. Dogs are also prohibited from entering the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, which is a sensitive wetland habitat for endangered species. In city parks, including Huntington Central Park, all dogs must remain on leash at all times. There are no designated off-leash dog park enclosures within Huntington Beach city parks, though the city has periodically considered proposals for fenced dog parks.
All dogs over four months of age must be licensed with the City of Huntington Beach and have a current rabies vaccination. License applications and renewals are handled through Huntington Beach Animal Control. Spayed or neutered dogs receive reduced license fees. Dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dog biting another person under California Civil Code Section 3342, regardless of the dog's prior behavior. Dogs that bite may be quarantined for 10 days and potentially declared dangerous, which triggers additional confinement and insurance requirements. Contact Huntington Beach Animal Control at (714) 536-5454.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Dogs found running at large outside of Huntington Dog Beach are subject to impoundment. Pickup and boarding fees apply. Off-leash citations in parks and prohibited beach areas range from $100 to $250. Failure to license a dog can result in fines of $100 or more. Owners of dogs declared dangerous face escalating penalties for non-compliance with confinement and insurance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog go off-leash at Huntington Beach?
Are dogs allowed on Huntington City Beach near the Pier?
Where do I get a dog license in Huntington Beach?
Sources & Official References
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