Santa Clara requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in all public places under City Code Chapter 6.10, except within designated off-leash areas at approved dog parks.
Santa Clara City Code Chapter 6.10 requires all dogs in public places to be physically restrained on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length and held by a person capable of controlling the dog. This applies to sidewalks, streets, parks, trails, school grounds, shopping centers, and the Santa Clara University public areas. Retractable leashes locked at 6 feet or less are permitted. Owners must also clean up after their dogs under the citys pooper scooper provisions and pay license fees annually. Santa Clara has designated off-leash dog parks including Reed Street Dog Park and sections of Central Park where trained, socialized dogs may run free within fenced enclosures during posted hours. Dogs must still be licensed and vaccinated even in off-leash areas. Dogs running at large are subject to impoundment by Santa Clara County Animal Services. First-offense fines for leash violations are 100 dollars, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses and enhanced fines if the unleashed dog causes injury or nuisance.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
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