Santa Barbara, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

The City of Santa Barbara operates its own animal control through the Police Department (215 E. Figueroa St.) rather than relying on the County. City Municipal Code Title 6 (Animal Control), Chapter 6.08, requires that no dog be on a street or other public place unless on a leash not in excess of six (6) feet in length and under the immediate care and control of the owner or person having custody. Supervised dog training classes, shows, or exhibitions in City parks are excepted when authorized by a Park Use Permit. The City designates several off-leash areas where licensed, healthy, non-aggressive dogs not in heat may be exercised off-leash: the Douglas Family Preserve (within the posted area), Elings Park (subject to the operator's rules), Hale Park, and the beach from the Shoreline Park Staircase west to the eastern edge of the Arroyo Burro Estuary. Responsible persons must remain present, carry a leash, clean up waste, and repair any damage. Owners must also prevent dogs from defecating or committing a nuisance on beaches, parks, public property, sidewalks, parkways, or others' improved private property. The City's leash rule is stricter and more locally specific than the County's, and dogs four months and older must be licensed.