Los Angeles, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Maximum leash length in parks
- 6 feet
- Off-leash areas available
- Yes, at Board-designated locations (Runyon Canyon, Barrington Park, etc.)
- Leash requirement
- Dog must be licensed
- Beach boardwalk ban
- No dogs 11 a.m.–8 p.m. weekends/holidays, Memorial Day–Oct 31
- Authority
- LAMC § 63.44 B.2(d)
Summary
Dogs in Los Angeles public parks must be licensed and on a leash no more than 6 feet long, or confined in a vehicle. Licensed dogs may be off-leash in officially designated dog exercise and training areas at approved parks.
2. No person shall cause, permit or allow any animal owned or possessed by them or any animal in their care, custody or control to be present in said park except: ...
(d) Licensed dogs or cats when led by a leash not more than six (6) feet long, or when confined within the interior of a vehicle, or licensed dogs under the control of a competent person in designated dog exercise and training areas at: (Amended by Ord. No. 180,332, Eff. 12/16/08.)
(i) City parks or portions of City parks approved and designated as dog exercise and training areas by the Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners and approved by the City Council by ordinance;
(ii) Laurel Canyon Park from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. until park closing every day of the week; ...
(v) A portion of Runyon Canyon Park consisting of approximately 90 acres located within the area 825 feet north of the Fuller Street entrance, 450 feet east of the Vista Street entrance and 1,850 feet south of the Mulholland Drive entrance.
Full Breakdown
Under LAMC § 63.44 B.2, no person may bring any animal into a park except on a leash not more than six feet long. Designated off-leash dog exercise areas exist at numerous parks including: Runyon Canyon Park (approximately 90-acre area north of the Fuller Street entrance), Laurel Canyon Park (7:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. until closing), Barrington Park (designated fenced area), Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area (approximately 10 acres, sunrise to sunset), and other specifically designated locations. On beach boardwalks and sidewalks adjacent to the Pacific Ocean between Santa Monica City limits and Washington Street, no dogs are allowed between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through October 31.
Violations & Fines
Violations of park rules are subject to Section 11.00 of the LAMC; park rangers are authorized to arrest for violations observed in their presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my dog's leash be in an LA City park?
Where can I take my dog off-leash in LA?
Are dogs allowed on the Venice Boardwalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle dog leash laws.