Santa Rosa, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length limit
- Six feet, streets and parks alike
- Applies to
- Public streets, alleys, parks, playgrounds
- Off-leash exemption
- Service dogs; written Animal Control permit
- Enforcement
- Impoundment plus Chapter 1-28 misdemeanor/infraction
- Governing sections
- § 7-12.100 (streets) and § 7-12.110 (parks)
Summary
Santa Rosa requires every dog on a public street, road, alley or other public place to be restrained on a leash or chain no longer than six feet, per § 7-12.100. The same six-foot limit applies in city parks and playgrounds under § 7-12.110, and an unleashed dog found in public or on someone else's property may be impounded.
(A) No person owning or otherwise having a dog in his or her care, charge, custody or possession shall cause, permit or allow such dog to be in or upon any public street, road, alley or other public place unless such dog is restrained and under control by leash or chain, or unless confined in a vehicle in the manner allowed by Section 7-08.120. The leash or chain shall not exceed six feet in length. This restriction shall not apply to areas within the city specifically set aside and posted for the exercise of animals.
Full Breakdown
120. The subsection also bars a dog from entering private property without the occupant's consent or from damaging lawns, trees, shrubs or other improvements there. 110 carries the same six-foot leash-or-chain limit into city parks and playgrounds, and lets the City designate and post specific park or playground areas where dogs are prohibited outright. Both sections exempt service and assistance dogs. 100 further exempts dogs in field or obedience trials, animal exhibitions or training, and dogs assisting a peace officer on duty, but only if the handler carries a written off-leash permit issued by an Animal Control Officer and produces it on request.
A dog found off-leash in a public place, or trespassing on private property without consent, can be impounded under subsection (D). There is no separate off-leash carve-out beyond areas the City has specifically posted for exercise of animals. Violations of Title 7, including the restraint requirement, are enforced as misdemeanors or infractions under Chapter 1-28, and impoundment brings its own redemption and boarding fees set by City Council resolution under Chapter 7-16.
Violations & Fines
An unleashed dog in a public place or trespassing on private property can be impounded under § 7-12.100(D), and the owner is responsible for the pound's boarding and redemption fees set by City Council resolution. The underlying restraint violation is also a Title 7 offense enforceable under § 1-28.010, carrying a misdemeanor fine up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail, or a lesser infraction fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog leash be in Santa Rosa?
Are there any off-leash areas for dogs in Santa Rosa?
What happens if my dog gets loose and is found in public?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Rosa
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Rosa to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sonoma County handle dog leash laws.