Mendocino County Dog Leash Laws

When we bring our dogs out into the world, we’re accomplishing several things. Not only are we socializing them and building an even stronger bond with them, but we are also giving them the daily exercise that they need to maintain their health. That’s why it’s so common to see dogs out and about in Mendocino County.

We also have a system of dog leash and running at large laws in place in Mendocino County to protect everyone’s safety. Below you’ll see a list of incorporated communities in the county. If you’d like to see the laws that govern where you are, click on the appropriate location and you’ll be taken to the text of the laws and to links that provide more information.

Mendocino County Dog Leash Law

The Mendocino County dog leash laws apply to the unincorporated areas of the county. The county law also governs:

  • Willits
  • Point Arena

Mendocino County Dog Leash Law Text:

Title 10, Sec. 10.08.010 – Dogs.

(A) It shall be unlawful for any person who owns, harbors or keeps any dog:

1. To permit or cause such dog to run at large, roam or run astray.

2. To fail to keep the dog under physical control when the dog is upon any public property or private property without the express permission of the owner or the custodian of such property.

3. To allow a dog on public property without a leash not exceeding six (6) feet in length. To comply with this section, the person in charge of the dog must have physical control of the leash.

(Ord. No. 4421, 12-18-2018)

Ukiah Dog Leash Laws

Ukiah Dog Leash Laws Text:

Division 5, §4153 DOGS

It shall be unlawful and an infraction for any person who owns, harbors or keeps any dog:

A. To permit or cause such dog to run at large, roam or run estray; to fail to keep the dog under physical control when the dog is upon any public property or private property without the express permission of the owner or the custodian of such property. Dogs permitted on public property must be on a leash not exceeding six feet (6’) in length.

(Ord. 923, §2, adopted 1991)

Fort Bragg Dogs at Large Law

Fort Bragg Dogs at Large Law Text:

Chapter 7.16, Section 7.16.030 DOGS AT LARGE PROHIBITED – EXCEPTIONS.

A. No person owning or having a dog in his or her care, charge, control, custody or possession shall cause, permit or allow such dog to be at large in or upon any public street, road, alley or other public place unless such dog is under restraint by a substantial leash or chain, except when the dog is confined to a motor vehicle or other enclosure under humane conditions.

B. In no event shall any person owning or otherwise having a dog in his or her care, charge, control, custody or possession cause, allow or permit such dog to enter upon private property without the consent of a person in possession of such private property, or to damage or destroy any lawn, tree, shrub, or other planting upon such property, or any other improvement or thing of value upon such property.

C. The prohibition in subsection A shall not apply to:

1. A guide dog, signal dog, or service dog with a valid assistance dog identification tag assisting, or in training to assist, a person with a disability.

2. A dog assisting, or in training to assist, a peace officer who is engaged in law enforcement duties.

3. A dog enrolled and actively participating in a commercial dog training or obedience class, exhibition or competition.

D. Any dog found at any place at any time not under the restraint required by this section, or upon private property of a person other than the owner or person having custody or control of the dog, in violation of the requirement of this section, is subject to impoundment, and shall be impounded unless taken under immediate restraint by leash or chain by a person who has the right to control or care for such dog.

(Ord. 891, § 2, passed 02-14-2011)