Mono County, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Mono County's leash requirement is not countywide. Under Mono County Code Title 9, Chapter 9.44 (Dog Regulations), dogs must be restrained within specific 'designated leash law areas' that the Board of Supervisors has defined by metes and bounds, including June Lake, Hilton Creek, the Mammoth-June Lake Airport, White Mountain Estates, Lee Vining, Wheeler Crest (Swall Meadows, Sky Meadow, Pinon Ranch) and Chalfant. Section 9.44.010 defines a dog as 'at large' unless it is fastened by a chain, rope or leash, or securely confined on private property the keeper controls. Off the owner's premises, a dog must be on a leash 'not exceeding six feet in length' and under the immediate physical control of a competent person. Section 9.44.020 makes it unlawful to let a dog run at large in those areas. Notably, the definition excludes dogs being trained, shown, used for bona fide hunting, or 'engaged in the herding, grazing or control of livestock' while under immediate vocal control, reflecting the county's ranching character. Outside the designated areas, county-wide nuisance rules in Chapter 9.36 still apply, and Section 9.08.050 lets animal services impound a dog at large that has no known owner. Mono County Animal Services and the Sheriff's Department enforce these rules, primarily on a complaint basis.