San Mateo County, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Unincorporated San Mateo County regulates dogs at large under the County Ordinance Code, Title 6 (Animals), Chapter 6.04 (Animal Control). Section 6.04.070 (Prohibited conduct) states that no owner or possessor of any animal shall cause or permit it to be upon any public street, sidewalk, park, school ground, any public property, or upon any unenclosed premises unless the animal is properly licensed and 'under the control of the owner by being saddled, harnessed, haltered, or leashed by a substantial chain, lead rope, or leash, which chain, lead rope, or leash shall be continuously held by some competent person capable of controlling such animal.' The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA), which provides animal control under contract for the County and most cities, explains that dogs must be on leash whenever not in a fully enclosed area, including an unfenced front yard, and that there is no voice-command exception outside designated off-leash dog parks. PHS/SPCA also notes that all dogs and cats over three months old must be licensed and currently vaccinated against rabies, and new residents have 60 days to license. Section 6.04.070(d) further prohibits leaving an animal without proper and adequate food, water, shelter, care, and attention.