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

The City of Sonora's animal regulations under Title 6 of the Municipal Code require that all dogs within city limits be kept under control by their owners or handlers. On public property — including streets, sidewalks, parks, and public plazas — dogs must be on a leash held by a person competent to control the animal. "Competent person" means an adult or responsible teenager capable of physically managing the dog; allowing a small child to hold the leash of a large, strong dog may not meet this standard.

Sonora contracts with Tuolumne County Animal Control for field services. Officers from Tuolumne County Animal Control (reachable at (209) 533-5986) respond to reports of dogs at large and may impound animals found running loose in public. Impounded dogs are held at the Tuolumne County Animal Shelter. Owners must pay impound and boarding fees to reclaim their animals, and repeat offenders may face increasing fines.

All dogs kept within Sonora must be licensed through Tuolumne County. Licenses require proof of current rabies vaccination. Altered (spayed/neutered) dogs have lower licensing fees than unaltered dogs. Dog owners are also responsible for cleaning up after their animals on public property under general nuisance provisions.