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

Leash rules are codified in Title 4 (Public Welfare), Chapter 4-11 (Animal Control), Article 7 of the San Leandro Municipal Code. §4-11-740 (Running at Large Prohibited) states: 'No owner or keeper of a dog shall allow or permit such dog, whether licensed or unlicensed, to be or run at large in or upon any public place or premises, or in or upon any private place or premises other than those of said owner or keeper except with the consent of the person in charge of said private place or premises, unless such dog is securely restrained by a substantial leash not to exceed six feet in length and is in charge and control of a person competent to keep such dog under effective charge and control.' Article 1 (§4-11-100) defines 'at large' as a dog off the premises of its owner and not under restraint by leash or chain or otherwise controlled by a competent person. Narrow exceptions apply: (1) dogs used to hunt wild birds or game without a leash; (2) service dogs accompanying a disabled person whose disability requires it; and (3) dogs used in emergency or rescue activities. The same Article 7 extends parallel six-foot-leash requirements to pot-bellied pigs (§4-11-750 et seq.). San Leandro contracts with the Alameda County Sheriff's Office Animal Services for field enforcement and sheltering.