Oakland, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- OMC § 6.04.070
- Max leash length
- 6 feet
- Unattended-tied-up limit
- 15 minutes before treated as at large
- First offense fine
- $50
- Third+ offense fine
- $500 (misdemeanor risk beyond 3rd)
- Enforcing office
- Animal Control Supervisor
Summary
Dogs in Oakland must be on a leash no longer than six feet on public property, with off-leash access limited to designated parks. Violations run $50 for a first offense up to $500 for a third within a year, plus possible misdemeanor charges after that.
6.04.070 - Control of dog in public. It is unlawful for any person owning or having charge, care, control, or custody of any dog... to cause, allow or permit such dog... on or upon any public street, alley or other public place, except as expressly set forth below... A.Leashed. All dogs shall be leashed and securely and continuously held by a responsible person when on public property. All dog guardians must keep the dog securely on a leash extending no further than six (6) feet away from the guardian... Dogs left unattended and attached to any stationary object on public property for more than fifteen (15) minutes are considered at large... F.Fine Schedule. A first offense shall be punishable by a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00), a second offense within a period of one (1) year shall be punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00), and a third or subsequent offense within a one (1) year period shall be punishable by a fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102 | Planning Code: Supplement 59).
Full Breakdown
070 makes it unlawful for a dog guardian to allow a dog, licensed or not, onto any public street, alley, or public place except as the section allows. Subsection A requires all dogs be leashed and securely, continuously held by a responsible person on public property, with the leash extending no more than six feet from the guardian and attached to a collar or harness; a dog left tied to a stationary object on public property for more than 15 minutes is treated as at large.
, Estuary Park, South Prescott Park, and fenced dog play areas within several parks); service dogs and government-use dogs are exempt to the extent compliance would interfere with their duties. Subsection D requires guardians to immediately pick up and trash their dog's feces on any property other than their own. 7(a)'s ban on leaving a dog unattended in a vehicle under conditions that endanger it from heat, cold, or lack of ventilation, food, or water. 020(B).
Violations & Fines
Section 6.04.070(F) sets a fine schedule: $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense within one year, and $500 for a third or subsequent offense within a one-year period. Any violation beyond a third conviction in a one-year period may instead be charged by the City Attorney or District Attorney as a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog's leash be on Oakland public property?
What's the fine for an unleashed dog in Oakland?
Where can I legally let my dog off-leash in Oakland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oakland
California rules heatmap·Compare Oakland to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle dog leash laws.