Novato, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Chapter III of the Novato Municipal Code is the city's animal control ordinance. Section 3-1.17 makes it unlawful for the owner or person having control of any dog to permit it, under any circumstances, to be off leash in, on or about any public property within the city, including any park, school, school grounds or open space area. The only carve-out is public property posted with signs permitting dogs to be off leash. A dog found running at large is to be immediately seized and impounded, and any peace officer or animal services officer can take other action reasonably necessary to protect public health and safety.

Private land is covered separately. Section 3-1.18 makes it unlawful to let a dog be upon the lands of another without the consent of the owner or person entitled to possession. Section 3-1.19 then requires that dogs at all times be kept under the immediate control and direction of a competent, responsible person capable of controlling the animal, and a dog outside that control can be seized and impounded. Owners must also prevent the dog from biting or physically harassing anyone engaged in a lawful act, from injuring another domestic animal in a way that results in veterinary treatment or death, and from interfering with lawful use of public or private property. Commanding or provoking a dog to attack, sic or threaten a person lawfully on public or private property is prohibited.

Two related duties travel with the leash rule. Under § 3-1.9 the license tag must be attached securely to a collar, harness or other suitable device whenever the dog is not on the owner's private property, and the person in control must show the license certificate or tag on demand by the animal services agency. Under § 3-1.3 a license is required within 30 days after the dog turns four months old, or within 30 days of first obtaining the dog or becoming a city resident.

Enforcement belongs to the Marin Humane Society, the animal services agency appointed for Marin County. Its officers are deemed peace officers under § 3-1.11 and can issue citations and make arrests under § 3-1.12. Impounded dogs are held five working days if unidentified and eight working days if identified, and a dog is released only with a current license and proof of a current rabies vaccination under § 3-1.14. A dog classified as potentially dangerous must be held on a substantial leash of no more than six feet when off the owner's property, under § 3-1.22.