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

San Bernardino County Code of Ordinances, Title 3 Division 2 (Animal Services) requires that dogs off their owner's property be restrained on a physical leash not exceeding 6 feet and held by a person competent to control the animal. Voice control alone does not satisfy the requirement, even for well-trained dogs, and retractable leashes extended beyond 6 feet violate the ordinance. The rule applies in county roads, sidewalks, parks, trails, beaches and shorelines along county waters, and any other public area. Designated off-leash dog parks (such as parts of Yucaipa Regional Park, Glen Helen Regional Park, Prado Regional Park, and Wildhaven Ranch) are exceptions where dogs may be off-leash inside the fenced area. California state wildlife areas and national forest trails (San Bernardino National Forest) have their own leash rules generally matching the 6-foot standard. Joshua Tree National Park requires dogs on leash 6 feet or under and prohibits dogs on most trails altogether. Animal Care Officers issue citations, and at-large dogs may be impounded at the Devore, Big Bear, or Apple Valley shelters with redemption fees.