Santa Monica, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Maximum leash length
- 6 feet (fixed length)
- Infraction fine
- Not less than $50 per violation
- Off-leash exception
- Areas designated by City Council resolution
- Bite liability (unleashed dog)
- Greater of actual damages or $1,000
Summary
Dogs on any public property must be restrained by a leash of six feet or less in fixed length, held by a competent person, or confined in an automobile.
§ 4.04.155. Dogs on public property. (a) No person having control, charge or custody of any dog shall permit the dog to be upon any public property, unless the dog is in the custody and control of a competent person and either: (1) Confined in an automobile; or (2) Restrained by a chain or leash six feet or less in fixed length. (b) Any person violating this Section shall be guilty of an infraction which shall be punishable by a fine of not less than fifty dollars per violation with each day or partial day of violation counting as a separate offense. (c) Notwithstanding the above, this Section shall not apply to dogs in any area designated by resolution of the City Council for use by dogs if the person having custody or control of the dog is in compliance with all posted rules governing the use of the designated area. (d) Every person having control, charge, or custody of any dog on public property who bites another person or animal while such person having control, charge or custody is in violation of this Section, shall be liable for actual damages or one thousand dollars, whichever is greater.
Full Breakdown
The rule applies to all public property throughout the City. Off-leash areas designated by City Council resolution are exempt, as are dogs used by Fire or Police Department personnel. An owner whose unleashed dog bites someone on public property is liable for the greater of actual damages or $1,000 per bite, in addition to criminal infraction penalties. Dogs are also prohibited from school grounds, tot lots, tennis courts, and beach sands.
Violations & Fines
Violation is an infraction of at least $50 per day, with each partial day counting separately. A dog that bites while the owner is violating the leash law also creates civil liability of $1,000 or actual damages, whichever is greater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a retractable leash?
Are there off-leash parks in Santa Monica?
What happens if my off-leash dog bites someone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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