Alameda County, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash limit
- 6 feet
- Applies to
- unincorporated county only
- Max fine
- $50
- Max jail time
- 10 days
Summary
Alameda County bars dogs from running at large in unincorporated areas, including Castro Valley and San Lorenzo, and caps leash length at six feet under an owner's control.
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...
Full Breakdown
Under Alameda County Code § 5.08.010, no owner or keeper may let a dog run at large on public property or on private property without the occupant's consent, unless the dog is restrained by a leash no longer than six feet and kept under the effective control of a competent person. The section carves out an exception for dogs working off-leash to hunt, herd, guard, or gather livestock, as long as they stay under control and don't threaten people or property. This rule governs only unincorporated Alameda County, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland, and Cherryland fall under it directly, since they have no city government of their own, while Oakland, Berkeley, and the county's other cities enforce their own leash ordinances.
Violations & Fines
Violations are a misdemeanor under § 5.04.020, punishable by a fine of up to $50, up to 10 days in county jail, or both, with each day of violation treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash to herd livestock?
Does this apply in Castro Valley?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alameda County
California rules heatmap·Compare Alameda County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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