Santa Clara County Dog Leash Laws Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know

Santa Clara County's animal control regulations are codified in Division B31 (Animals and Fowl) of the county ordinance code. Chapter III specifically addresses dogs, establishing leash requirements, licensing, and at-large prohibitions.

The fundamental rule is that dog owners must keep their dogs confined to their own premises or under physical restraint by means of a leash not exceeding six feet in length. A dog is considered "at large" when it is off the owner's premises and not restrained by a six-foot leash under the control of a person physically capable of controlling the animal, or when it is on the owner's premises but not confined by a leash, fence, or other adequate enclosure.

No person owning or having control of any animal may permit it to stray or run at large upon any public street, public place, or private property without the property owner's consent. Exceptions to the leash requirement include guide dogs for the blind or deaf performing their duties, dogs in field or obedience trials, dogs assisting in legal hunting or livestock herding, dogs assisting law enforcement, and dogs in formal training programs on private land with the landowner's permission.

County parks with posted off-leash areas have additional rules: dogs may only be in off-leash areas when accompanied by a handler at least 13 years old; no more than two dogs per person are permitted; dogs must be at least four months old, vaccinated for rabies, and currently licensed. Handlers are responsible for ensuring their dogs are not sick, in heat, injured, or displaying aggressive behavior.