Dog Leash Laws: Bakersfield vs Ridgecrest

Can I walk my dog off-leash in Bakersfield?

Only in designated off-leash dog parks such as City Dog Park at Beach Park. In all other public areas, parks, and streets, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Off-leash activity on private property requires owner consent.

Does my dog need a license in Bakersfield?

Yes. All dogs 4 months and older must be licensed through Kern County Animal Services with proof of current rabies vaccination. Licenses are renewed annually. Unlicensed dogs can be impounded and owners charged fees to reclaim.

Does Ridgecrest require dogs to be on a leash?

Yes. Ridgecrest Municipal Code Sec. 3-4 makes it unlawful to keep or maintain any dog in any place in the city unless it is fastened securely by a chain, rope, harness, or leash, or confined securely within private property legally controlled by the person in possession of the dog. The city code does not specify a maximum leash length, but the dog must be securely fastened. A dog found at large on a street, sidewalk, lane, alley, or other public place can be impounded by the animal control officer under RMC Sec. 3-3.

What happens if my dog runs at large in Ridgecrest?

Under RMC Sec. 3-3, the animal control officer must take and impound any dog found at large on any street, sidewalk, lane, alley, or public or unoccupied place within the city. The owner must pay impound, boarding, and current license/rabies vaccination fees before reclaiming the dog. The violation itself is an infraction under RMC Sec. 3-2, and citations may be issued by the animal control officer or police under RMC Sec. 3-12. State law (Cal. Food & Ag Code section 30951) also requires the dog to wear a collar with an identifying tag or license tag.