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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Max leash length
8 feet
First offense fine
up to $10
Third+ offense fine
up to $50
Enforcing agency
SF Animal Care and Control

Summary

San Francisco requires dogs to be restrained by a leash of no more than 8 feet whenever they are off their owner's property, city-wide and county-wide.

"At large" shall mean any dog off the premises of its owners or guardians and not under restraint by a leash, rope or chain of not more than eight (8) feet in length, and any other animal not under physical restraint... It shall be unlawful for the owner or guardian of any animal, other than a domestic cat, to permit said animal to run at large within the City and County.

Source: SF Animal Care and ControlView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Health Code § 41.12(a) makes it unlawful for an owner or guardian to let any animal (other than a cat) run at large anywhere in the City and County, except in areas the Recreation and Park Commission has designated as animal exercise areas. Section 41 defines "at large" as a dog off its owner's premises and not restrained by a leash, rope, or chain of 8 feet or less; any other animal not under physical restraint also qualifies. Animal Care and Control enforces the rule.

Violations & Fines

Infraction under Health Code § 41.13: fine up to $10 for a first offense, $25 for a second, and $50 for a third or later offense within a 12-month period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a dog leash be in San Francisco?
Health Code § 41 defines "at large" as unrestrained by a leash, rope, or chain longer than 8 feet, so anything beyond that length counts as unleashed.
What's the fine for an unleashed dog in San Francisco?
Under Health Code § 41.13 it's an infraction: up to $10 for a first offense, $25 for a second, and $50 for a third or later offense within 12 months.

Sources & Official References

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All San Francisco rules

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