Dog Leash Laws: Lompoc vs Santa Maria

Do I have to leash my dog on Santa Barbara County beaches and trails?

On any public beach, trail, sidewalk, park, school ground, or other public space in unincorporated Santa Barbara County, your dog must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet under County Code Chapter 7. Off-leash use is permitted ONLY in designated off-leash areas posted by the County or by the city if you are inside city limits. Some south-coast beaches (such as Hendry's / Arroyo Burro Beach) have specific 'leash hours' and 'off-leash hours' set by the city of Santa Barbara; check the posted signs. State Parks and Los Padres National Forest have their own leash rules (generally 6-foot leash required in developed areas, prohibited in some wilderness sections).

What happens if my dog is picked up running loose in Santa Barbara County?

If your dog is found 'at large' in unincorporated Santa Barbara County, Animal Services may impound the dog at the Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter. To reclaim your dog you must pay impound fees, daily boarding fees, current licensing fees (with proof of rabies vaccination), and any citation issued for the dog-at-large violation under County Code Chapter 7. Repeated incidents may result in a 'Potentially Dangerous' dog hearing under California Food and Agriculture Code Section 31621, with mandatory confinement, signage, and possible destruction orders for the most serious cases.

My dog bit someone - what do I have to do?

Under California Code of Regulations Title 17, Section 2606, any dog bite that breaks the skin must be reported to the local public health officer within 24 hours - in Santa Barbara County that is Santa Barbara County Animal Services, which acts under delegation from the Public Health Department. The dog will be placed under a 10-day rabies-observation quarantine, which can often be served at home if the dog is currently vaccinated. The bite incident is recorded, and depending on severity and prior history the dog may be reviewed for a Potentially Dangerous or Vicious designation under California Food and Agriculture Code Sections 31602-31683. Failure to report a bite is a violation of state public-health regulations.

Is there a leash law in Santa Maria?

Yes. Dogs must be on a leash when off the owner's property. Santa Barbara County Animal Services enforces the law.

What happens if my dog is found running loose in Santa Maria?

Dogs running at large may be impounded by Santa Barbara County Animal Services. Owners face citations and fines.