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

Dog licensing and leash requirements in San Ramon are enforced through Contra Costa County Animal Services, which contracts with the city for animal control. All dogs four months of age or older must be licensed, with current rabies vaccination required as a prerequisite. License fees (2024) are approximately $20/year for altered dogs, $50/year for unaltered dogs, with senior/service animal discounts available. Three-year licenses are available matching rabies vaccination schedules. Leash requirements: dogs must be physically restrained by a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property or when on shared HOA common areas in communities like Dougherty Valley. Voice control does not substitute for a leash anywhere in San Ramon except in officially designated off-leash dog parks. Designated off-leash facilities include the Memorial Park Dog Park (separate small-dog and large-dog enclosures) and portions of Hap Magee Ranch Park in neighboring Danville. The Iron Horse Regional Trail requires leashes at all times. Animal control responds to complaints including dogs-at-large, bites, chronic barking, and welfare concerns. Dogs-at-large are impounded at the Contra Costa County Animal Shelter in Martinez; reclaim fees apply. Bite incidents are reported under county protocol with mandatory 10-day quarantine at the owner's home (if vaccinated) or at the county shelter. Under California Food & Agricultural Code §31683, San Ramon cannot impose breed-specific restrictions. The city coordinates with Contra Costa County on dangerous dog determinations under state law. Lost pets are searchable on the county shelter's online database; microchipping is strongly encouraged and required at time of license renewal if previously unchipped.