Sacramento, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Max leash/tether length
- 8 feet
- On own property
- Fenced/tethered or supervised
- At-large dogs
- Impounded as nuisance
- Repeat impound
- May trigger mandatory alteration
- Governing law
- City Code §§ 9.44.020, 9.44.220
Summary
Sacramento requires dogs to be leashed or tethered whenever off their owner's property, and even on the owner's own property unless fenced, tethered or under the owner's direct control, per City Code §§ 9.44.020 and 9.44.220. Leashes and tethers can't exceed eight feet.
At Large. An animal is "at large" in the following situations: 1. When it is off the premises of its owner, and not under restraint by leash, tether or adequate enclosure. 2. When it is on the premises of its owner and not restrained by leash, tether, fence or adequate enclosure, or not under the control and in the immediate presence of the owner. 3. The leash or tether required under subsections 1 and 2 of this definition shall not exceed eight feet in length and shall be of sufficient strength to restrain the animal should it try to run from the owner or keeper. ... No owner of any animal, wild or domestic, except the domestic cat, shall permit or suffer such animal to do any of the following things: A. Be at large. The definition of "at large" is set forth in Section 9.44.020 of this chapter.
Full Breakdown
020 defines when a dog is 'at large': off the owner's premises without restraint by leash, tether or adequate enclosure, or on the owner's own premises without a leash, tether, fence, or adequate enclosure and not under the owner's control and immediate presence. Any leash or tether used to satisfy the restraint requirement cannot exceed eight feet in length and must be strong enough to hold the animal. Three narrow exceptions apply: a dog enrolled in and actively participating in a training or obedience class, exhibition or competition with permission of the property owner; a dog assisting a peace officer on duty; and a dog or swine that is unleashed but has not strayed from the owner's own private property. 020. 230. 190).
Violations & Fines
Letting a dog run at large is enforced two ways: the animal itself can be impounded on the spot as a public nuisance under § 9.44.230, and the owner is subject to the chapter's general infraction penalties in § 9.44.210, up to $100 for a first violation, up to $200 for a second within a year, and up to $500 for each further violation, plus redemption and impound fees to reclaim the dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog need a leash in my own yard in Sacramento?
Is there a maximum leash length in Sacramento?
What happens if animal control picks up my dog for being at large?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle dog leash laws.