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

There is no single statewide California leash statute; leash and at-large rules are set locally. In the unincorporated areas of Sutter County, the county's animal regulations and Zoning Code require that animals be 'effectively contained on the property' and 'not be allowed to run free.' Sutter Animal Services Authority (SASA), operating out of 200 Garden Highway in Yuba City, is the agency that responds to loose-dog and nuisance-dog complaints in the unincorporated county. Where California's rabies-area rules under the Food & Agricultural Code apply, a dog that is exempt from rabies vaccination must be confined to the owner's premises and, when off the premises, kept on a leash not exceeding six feet under the direct physical control of an adult. The county also treats a dog that interferes with people's lawful movement, chases vehicles, or otherwise creates a nuisance as a violation. Because specific off-leash exceptions and any designated areas are administered by SASA, owners should confirm current requirements directly with the agency. No officially sourced off-leash dog park in the unincorporated county was identified in published county materials.