Pismo Beach, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 6.04.080 requires any person owning or possessing a dog to keep it on a leash not exceeding six feet in length, and the leash must be held by a person capable of controlling the dog. The six foot figure is a cap on leash length, and the handler has to be able to control the animal.

Subsection B lists three exceptions. First, a dog can be unleashed on private property of the owner or of another who has consented, if the dog is either contained on that enclosed property or under the control of a person who is in the presence of the dog. Second, a dog assisting a peace officer engaged in law enforcement duties can be unleashed. Third, a dog can be unleashed in designated parks, as specified in a resolution of the city council. The section names no parks and points to a council resolution instead.

Section 6.04.100 separately makes it unlawful for any person owning, having an interest in, harboring or having charge of a dog to cause or permit the dog to be on the city pier. The prohibition does not apply to a dog meeting the definition of a service dog under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 when it is accompanying a disabled person requiring its assistance, or to a dog receiving training by a person licensed to train guide dogs. Section 12.20.180 in the beach and pier chapter also makes it unlawful to lead a dog upon the city pier, with exceptions for Seeing Eye dogs, companion dogs used by people with disabilities and police canines. Section 12.20.030 says dogs are permitted on the beach subject to a leash law citation, Section 6.12.150, while the leash section in the current animal chapter is 6.04.080.

Under § 6.04.120, dogs used by or under the authority of the police department or another law enforcement agency for law enforcement purposes are exempt from every restriction in Title 6. Section 6.06.020 provides that when Chapter 6.04 conflicts with the San Luis Obispo County Code adopted by reference in Chapter 6.02, the locally reserved regulations control, so the leash length and pier ban are the city's own rules.