Imperial County, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length
- 6 feet maximum, hand-held
- On owner's property
- off-leash if under direct control
- Off owner's property
- leash or confine required
- Penalty
- misdemeanor or infraction
- Applies to
- unincorporated county only
Summary
Imperial County bans dogs running at large in the unincorporated area; off the owner's own premises a dog must be on a leash or confined in a vehicle, cage or enclosure unless it's under direct sight-and-voice control on private property.
Any dog, outside the premises of its owner and not coming within the provisions of either Section 6.08.130, shall be restrained by a leash or be confined in a vehicle, cage, or enclosure.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).
Full Breakdown
Section 6.08.120 makes it unlawful for an owner to let a dog run at large anywhere in the unincorporated county. On the owner's own premises, or private property with the owner's consent, a dog may run loose if it stays under the owner's direct, effective sound-or-gesture control and within sight (§6.08.130); county officers can also require fencing there. Anywhere else, Section 6.08.150 requires the dog be restrained by a leash, defined at §6.04.020 as rope, strap or chain no more than six feet long, held by someone able to control the dog, or confined in a vehicle, cage or enclosure. Working, sporting and law-enforcement dogs under direct control are exempted while on duty.
Violations & Fines
Violating the at-large or leash requirements is a misdemeanor or infraction prosecuted under Chapter 1.16's general penalty provisions; loose dogs may also be impounded and are subject to impound and per-diem fees before redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash in Imperial County's unincorporated area?
What counts as a leash under county law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Imperial County
California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.