San Leandro Dog Leash Laws Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsKey Facts
- Leash length limit
- 6 feet maximum on all public property outside designated off-leash areas
- Off-leash areas
- Washington Manor Dog Park (14900 Farnsworth Street); dogs must be under voice control
- Running at large
- Prohibited — unleashed dogs off the owner's property are subject to impoundment
- Licensing requirement
- All dogs 4 months and older must be licensed through Alameda County Animal Services with current rabies vaccination
- Waste cleanup
- Owners must immediately pick up and dispose of pet waste on all public property
- Prohibited areas
- Dogs not allowed on playgrounds, sports fields, or in public swimming facilities regardless of leash status
- Animal services contact
- Alameda County Animal Services (Hayward shelter): (510) 667-7700
The Short Version
San Leandro Municipal Code Title 4, Chapter 4-14 requires all dogs to be restrained on a leash no longer than six feet when on any public street, sidewalk, park, trail, or other public property unless the dog is within a designated off-leash area. Dogs may not run at large anywhere within San Leandro city limits, and an unconfined, unleashed dog found off the owner's property is subject to impoundment by Alameda County Animal Services, which provides animal control services for the city under contract. San Leandro maintains a fenced off-leash dog park at Washington Manor Park (14900 Farnsworth Street) where dogs may exercise off-leash under their owner's direct supervision and voice control. Off-leash areas have posted rules requiring voice control, immediate waste cleanup, and current vaccinations. Dogs are prohibited from playgrounds, sports fields, and public swimming facilities regardless of leash status. All dogs four months of age and older must be licensed through Alameda County Animal Services and must have a current rabies vaccination on file. Owners of multiple dogs walking together must maintain each dog on a separate leash. Retractable leashes are permitted but must be locked at no more than six feet when in close proximity to other people, dogs, or wildlife.
Full Breakdown
The City of San Leandro's Municipal Code Title 4, Chapter 4-14 establishes the regulatory framework for animal control within city limits, including leash requirements for dogs. All dogs must be restrained on a leash no longer than six feet in length when on any public street, sidewalk, park path, trail, or other public property not specifically designated for off-leash use. The person handling the dog must be physically capable of controlling the animal at all times. Dogs may not run at large anywhere within San Leandro, and an unconfined, unleashed dog found off the owner's property is subject to impoundment.
Animal control services for San Leandro are provided by Alameda County Animal Services, headquartered at the Hayward shelter facility. Officers respond to complaints about dogs at large, aggressive animals, barking dogs, and other animal control matters throughout the city. San Leandro is a mid-sized East Bay city of approximately 92,000 residents located between Oakland to the north and Hayward to the south, with a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and industrial areas along the San Francisco Bay waterfront. The city's parks system includes approximately 17 parks totaling over 200 acres, and leash laws are enforced throughout the system.
San Leandro provides a fenced off-leash dog park at Washington Manor Park, located at 14900 Farnsworth Street, where dogs may exercise off-leash under their owner's direct supervision and voice control. Dogs using the off-leash area must be currently licensed and vaccinated, must not display aggressive behavior, and must be immediately removed if they become aggressive or unruly. Owners must pick up and dispose of all pet waste within the off-leash area. Puppies under four months of age and dogs in heat are not permitted in the off-leash area. The San Leandro Recreation and Human Services Department manages the city's parks, and the department may designate additional off-leash areas as community demand warrants. San Leandro's waterfront areas along the San Francisco Bay Trail are popular walking destinations, and leash enforcement is emphasized along these shared-use paths where pedestrians, cyclists, and dog walkers share the trail.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Violations of San Leandro's leash laws and animal control regulations are enforced by Alameda County Animal Services and may also be cited by the San Leandro Police Department. Dogs found running at large are subject to impoundment at the Alameda County Animal Shelter in Hayward, and owners must pay all impound fees, daily boarding charges, and any required veterinary costs before the animal is released. Administrative citation fines for leash law violations, failure to license, and failure to clean up pet waste typically start at $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense within 12 months, and $500 for each subsequent offense within the same period. Each incident constitutes a separate violation. Owners of dogs that have bitten or attacked a person or another animal face additional penalties including dangerous dog proceedings, mandatory confinement requirements, liability insurance mandates, and potential criminal charges depending on the severity of the incident. Repeat offenders who allow dogs to run at large persistently may be referred to the Alameda County District Attorney's office for misdemeanor prosecution. Property owners may also be held responsible if a tenant's or guest's dog causes repeated at-large violations from the property. Impound fees escalate with each successive impoundment, and animals not claimed within the statutory holding period may be made available for adoption or humanely euthanized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can my dog go off-leash in San Leandro?
What happens if my dog is caught running loose in San Leandro?
Do I need to pick up my dog's waste on San Leandro streets and parks?
Sources & Official References
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