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

The City of Livermore requires all dogs to be restrained on a leash no longer than six feet when on any public street, sidewalk, park, trail, or other public property unless the dog is in a designated off-leash area. Dogs may not run at large anywhere within Livermore city limits; an unconfined, unleashed dog found off the owner's property is subject to impoundment by the Livermore Police Department Animal Services Unit. The handler must be physically capable of controlling the animal at all times.

Livermore is situated in the eastern Tri-Valley region of Alameda County, with a population of approximately 90,000 residents spread across a mix of suburban neighborhoods, vineyards, and open rangeland at the edge of the Altamont Hills. The city's semi-rural character and proximity to regional trail systems — including the Iron Horse Trail extension and trails connecting to the East Bay Regional Park District's Del Valle Regional Park — mean that dogs and their owners frequently use public paths that also serve hikers, cyclists, and equestrians. Leash compliance is especially important on multi-use trails where unleashed dogs can startle horses or interfere with other users.

Livermore provides off-leash recreation at designated dog parks, most notably Max Baer Dog Park at 693 Loyola Way, which offers separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, water stations, and shade structures. Dogs using off-leash areas must be currently vaccinated, licensed with the City of Livermore, and under their owner's direct voice control at all times. Aggressive dogs must be removed immediately. Dogs are prohibited from playgrounds, sports fields, public swimming pools, and water features regardless of leash status.

All dogs four months of age and older must be licensed through the City of Livermore. License applications require proof of a current rabies vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian. Spayed and neutered dogs receive a reduced annual license fee. Owners must comply with waste-cleanup requirements, immediately picking up and properly disposing of pet waste in all public areas. Failure to clean up after a dog is a separately citable offense.

Owners of multiple dogs walking together must maintain each dog on a separate leash. Retractable leashes are permitted but must be locked at no more than six feet when in close proximity to other people, dogs, or wildlife. Contact the Livermore Police Department Animal Services Unit at (925) 371-4987 for licensing, reporting stray animals, or general animal control inquiries.