El Monte Dog Leash Laws Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsThe Short Version
El Monte requires all dogs to be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet when on any public street, sidewalk, park, or other public area. Dogs must be under the control of a responsible person at all times when off the owner's property. El Monte contracts with the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society for animal control services. All dogs over the age of four months must be licensed with the city and vaccinated against rabies. Violations of the leash law are enforced through citations and may result in impoundment of the animal.
Full Breakdown
El Monte's Municipal Code requires that all dogs be restrained on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length when off the owner's private property and on any public street, sidewalk, pathway, park, or other public area within the city. The leash must be held by a person who is physically capable of controlling and restraining the dog. Retractable leashes are permitted but must be locked to no more than 6 feet of extension in congested areas or when passing other pedestrians and animals. El Monte does not currently operate a designated off-leash dog park within city limits, meaning the leash requirement applies in all public spaces.
Animal control services in El Monte are provided through a contract with the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society, which operates the animal shelter and responds to animal control calls. Dogs found running at large — off-leash and not under the immediate control of a handler — may be impounded by animal control officers. The owner must then retrieve the dog from the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society shelter, paying impound fees, daily boarding charges, and any applicable licensing and vaccination fees. If the dog is unlicensed at the time of impound, the owner must obtain a license before the animal will be released.
El Monte also enforces California's statewide dog bite liability statute, Civil Code Section 3342, which imposes strict liability on dog owners for injuries caused by their dog biting another person in a public place or lawfully on private property. This means the owner is financially responsible regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression. In addition to civil liability, El Monte may designate a dog as potentially dangerous or vicious under California Food and Agricultural Code provisions if it has bitten a person, attacked another animal, or behaved in a manner that required a defensive action by a person. Potentially dangerous dog designations impose additional restraint and confinement requirements on the owner.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Leash law violations result in administrative citations typically ranging from $50 to $100 for a first offense, with escalating fines of $200 to $500 for repeat offenses within one year. Dogs running at large may be impounded, with retrieval fees of approximately $50 to $100 plus daily boarding charges of $15 to $25. Owners of unlicensed dogs face additional fines of $100 or more. Dog bite incidents may result in mandatory quarantine periods, potentially dangerous dog hearings, and civil liability for medical expenses and damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
How does El Monte compare?
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