All dogs 4 months and older in unincorporated Contra Costa County must be licensed annually and vaccinated against rabies. Dogs must be leashed in public and may not run at large. Contra Costa Animal Services in Martinez and Pinole enforces.
Under Contra Costa County Ordinance Code Chapter 416 (Animal Control), every dog 4 months of age or older kept in the county must be licensed. License fees are discounted for spayed/neutered dogs and renewed annually. A current rabies vaccination is required before a license can be issued. Outside an enclosed property, dogs must be on a leash not exceeding 6 feet unless in a designated off-leash area. Dogs running at large can be impounded by Contra Costa Animal Services, which operates shelters in Martinez and Pinole serving all unincorporated areas plus most contract cities. Reclaiming an impounded dog requires proof of current license, vaccination, and payment of impound and boarding fees. Chronic leash-law violations can result in administrative citations, typically starting around $100 and escalating for repeat offenses. Service animals are exempt from leash limits when performing work under the ADA. Owners of unlicensed dogs found at large face steeper fines and mandatory licensing before release.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Contra Costa County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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