Palo Alto requires dogs to be leashed in all public spaces except designated off-leash dog parks, with a maximum leash length of 6 feet.
Palo Alto Municipal Code Title 6 and Santa Clara County Ordinance Code Division B11 require dogs to be on a physical leash no longer than 6 feet when in any public place, including sidewalks, streets, parks, and most open-space preserves. Off-leash activity is permitted only in the city designated dog parks: Hoover Park, Mitchell Park, and Greer Park off-leash areas. Foothills Nature Preserve and Pearson-Arastradero Preserve require leashes at all times due to wildlife concerns. Violators can receive citations starting at 100 dollars, and loose dogs can be impounded at the Palo Alto Animal Services shelter. All dogs 4 months or older must also be licensed and vaccinated for rabies.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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