Dog Leash Laws: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do dog leash laws rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Dogs must be leashed when off the owner's property in San Bernardino under San Bernardino County Code Title 3. Off-leash is allowed only in designated dog parks.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Law | - | SB County Code Title 3 |
| Leash Length | - | Six feet when off property |
| License | - | Required for dogs four months plus |
| Animal Control | - | 909-386-9820 |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can my dog be off-leash in my front yard?
Only if the yard is fenced or the dog is otherwise under direct control on the owner's property; dogs in unfenced front yards can be cited.
Where are the dog parks?
Wildwood Park has an off-leash area, and several county-operated dog parks serve the San Bernardino area.
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