Dog Leash Laws: Chino vs Ontario
How do dog leash laws rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Ontario.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino contracts animal services to San Bernardino County Animal Care (Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire). Dogs off the owner's property must be on a leash or otherwise restrained under San Bernardino County Code §32.0108, and Chino Municipal Code §6.08.020 requires every dog over 4 months kept in the City to be licensed and rabies-vaccinated. California Food & Agricultural Code §30954 separately prohibits letting a female dog in heat run at large.
View full Chino rules →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario requires dogs to be leashed off-property under OMC Title 6. Maximum leash length is 6 feet, with owner control required in all public spaces except designated off-leash dog parks.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Local leash rule | San Bernardino County Code §32.0108 (Chino contracts animal control to the County) | - |
| License & rabies | Chino Municipal Code §6.08.020 — required for dogs over 4 months | - |
| State backstop | Cal. Food & Ag. Code §30954 — female dog in heat may not run at large | - |
| Shelter | Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire (San Bernardino County contract facility in Chino) | - |
| License fee range | $5–$100/yr (effective July 1, 2025) | - |
| Leash Length | - | 6 feet maximum |
| Code | - | OMC Title 6 |
| Off-Leash | - | Only designated dog parks |
| Licensing | - | Required at 4 months old |
| At-Large Penalty | - | Impound and fines |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Does Chino have its own leash law?
Chino enforces animal control through a contract with San Bernardino County. The operative leash/restraint rule is San Bernardino County Code §32.0108, which requires dogs off the owner's property to be on a leash or otherwise confined.
Do I have to license my dog in Chino?
Yes. Chino Municipal Code §6.08.020 requires every dog over four months kept in the City to be licensed and to carry a current rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian.
Can my dog be off-leash in my front yard?
The County leash rule applies when a dog is off the owner's premises. Off-leash on your own property is generally allowed, but you remain liable if the dog gets loose; female dogs in heat may not run at large anywhere under Cal. Food & Ag. Code §30954.
Ontario FAQ
Can my dog be off-leash in Ontario parks?
No, except inside designated off-leash dog parks. All other parks, sidewalks, and trails require a leash of 6 feet or less.
What happens if my dog runs loose?
It can be impounded by Animal Services. You must pay impound and boarding fees and confirm licensing and rabies vaccination to get your dog back.
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