Santa Monica Dog Leash Laws Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

SMMC Chapter 4.04 establishes comprehensive animal control regulations for Santa Monica. Dogs must be on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length and under the control of a responsible person at all times when on any public street, sidewalk, park, or other public property. The leash must be held by a person physically capable of controlling the dog.

Santa Monica's beach dog rules are particularly notable. Dogs are generally prohibited on Santa Monica State Beach, which is managed by California State Parks. There are limited designated areas where dogs may be allowed, and rules change periodically. The city operates several off-leash dog parks including the Airport Park Dog Park and Joslyn Park Dog Run where dogs may exercise off-leash within the fenced enclosure. Dogs in off-leash parks must be under voice control, have current vaccinations and licenses, and owners must remove waste immediately. Aggressive dogs must be removed. All dogs over four months old must be licensed through the City, which requires proof of current rabies vaccination.