Yolo County, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length
- Not exceeding 8 feet
- Governing section
- Yolo County Code § 6-1.401.1
- Enforcement
- Yolo County Animal Control Division
- Penalty tier
- Misdemeanor under § 6-1.422(a)
- Exemptions
- Police K-9s, licensed hunters, training classes, ag herding
- Response fee
- County bills actual at-large response cost (§6-1.401.2)
Summary
In unincorporated Yolo County, a dog off its owner's own property must be restrained by a leash no longer than eight feet under Yolo County Code § 6-1.401.1. Four narrow exemptions apply. Animal Services enforces the rule, and a violation is a misdemeanor under § 6-1.422(a).
No owner shall permit his dog to be in any area, other than on private property where the dog is maintained by or on behalf of its owner, unless the dog is restrained by a leash not exceeding eight (8') feet in length; provided, however, this section shall not apply if the dog is (1) assisting a peace officer in law enforcement duties, (2) under the control of a person engaged in hunting pursuant to a license issued under Sections 3031 et seq. Of the Fish and Game Code of the State, (3) enrolled and actually participating in a dog training or obedience class, exhibition, or competition conducted by an organization with the permission of the owner or operator of the grounds or facility, or (4) actively herding on an agriculturally zoned parcel.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Supplement 2026 S-21 includes: Local legislation current through Ord. 1584, effective June 25, 2026).
Full Breakdown
" The rule applies only in the unincorporated area; Woodland, Davis, West Sacramento and the county's other cities enforce their own municipal codes. 401, which bars an owner from letting any wild or domestic animal, except a domestic cat, run loose within County territory. ; a dog enrolled and actually participating in an organized training, obedience, exhibition, or competition; and a dog actively herding on an agriculturally zoned parcel. Outside those four situations, an unleashed dog off its owner's property violates the section regardless of supervision.
2 lets the County bill the owner for the actual cost of that response, separate from any impound fee charged under Article 8. The leash and at-large provisions trace to Ordinance 949, effective May 26, 1983, and were amended by Ordinance 1365, effective December 6, 2007, which added the training-class and agricultural-herding exemptions.
Violations & Fines
Yolo County Code § 6-1.422(a) makes a violation of § 6-1.401.1, together with the related at-large sections through § 6-1.401.3, a misdemeanor. Every other violation in this article is an infraction under California Government Code § 25132. Animal Control can also bill the owner under § 6-1.401.2 for the actual cost of responding to and taking control of the loose dog, on top of any court fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a leash for my dog on my own property in Yolo County?
How long can a leash be under Yolo County's law?
What happens if Animal Services picks up my unleashed dog?
Are working ranch dogs exempt from the leash rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yolo County
California rules heatmap·Compare Yolo County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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