Santa Clara County requires dogs to be leashed (maximum 6 feet) in all public areas, including county parks. Off-leash is permitted only in designated dog parks. Violations are infractions with fines.
Under the Santa Clara County Animal Services Ordinance, all dogs must be restrained by a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner property and in any public area. This covers sidewalks, public streets, unincorporated roadways, trails, and County Parks (including Sanborn County Park, Joseph D. Grant County Park, and Alum Rock area trails). Off-leash use is permitted only in designated off-leash dog parks. Voice control is not an accepted substitute anywhere in the unincorporated county. Violations are infractions; fines start around 50 dollars for a first offense and increase with repeat violations. Separately, state Fish and Game rules prohibit dogs from harassing wildlife, which is actively enforced in mid-Peninsula open spaces such as the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Service animals under the ADA are exempt from leash rules but must remain under handler control.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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