Pico Rivera, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Pico Rivera Municipal Code Section 6.36.010 bars any person owning, harboring or having charge, care, control, custody or possession of a dog from letting it off the owner's premises unless it is securely confined by a strong leash not exceeding six feet, continuously held by a competent person, or unless the dog is confined within an enclosed vehicle. The six-foot cap applies everywhere off the owner's property, including sidewalks, parks and alleys; there is no separate off-leash allowance anywhere in the chapter. The only carve-out is for dogs used for law enforcement purposes by a state, county, city or city and county agency.

Enforcement runs through the city's contracted animal control provider and the Community Preservation division, both operating under Title 6's Chapter 6.04 director authority. A dog picked up running loose is impounded under Section 6.40.030, which directs the director to take up any dog found in violation of Section 6.36.010 and deliver it to the shelter; a licensed dog held there must be given food and water for at least ten calendar days after written notice to the owner, while an unlicensed dog is held at least five working days, per Section 6.40.050.

Before an impounded dog is released, Section 6.40.090 requires proof of rabies vaccination or on-site administration of the vaccine at the owner's expense. Owners should also know that Section 6.36.060 separately defines a dog with a documented history of biting people or animals on two or more occasions as a 'wild or vicious animal,' subject to mandatory restraint orders and, in cases of noncompliance, destruction.