Stockton, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Under SMC Chapter 6.04, it is unlawful for any owner or person in charge of a dog (licensed or not) to allow that dog on any public street, alley, or public place unless the dog is securely confined by a rope, chain, or other leash that is continuously and securely held by a competent person. The leash requirement does not apply to a Seeing Eye dog used by a blind person, a signal dog used by a hearing-impaired person, a service dog used by a person with a disability, or a police dog being used by a law enforcement agency. Owners must also not allow dogs (or other animals other than cats) to run at large on public streets, lanes, alleys, courts, or public grounds, nor on private property without the property owner's consent. All owned dogs and cats within Stockton city limits must also be licensed under SMC 6.04.090, and a current rabies vaccination plus microchip is required for the city to issue a license through the Stockton Animal Shelter. The one-year license fee is $15.50 for altered (spayed/neutered) dogs and $155.00 for unaltered dogs, creating a strong financial incentive to sterilize.