Marin County Dog Leash Laws
Dogs are part of our lives, but like most other things, there are laws in place around Marin County designed to keep them and the rest of us safe. One of the most important regards dog leashing requirements, sometimes known as dogs running at large laws. Dog owners need to know what those laws say so that they can remain in compliance.
Below you’ll find a list of incorporated communities in Marin County. If you’d like to see what the dog leash and/or dogs running at large laws say in your area, simply click on the appropriate place. You’ll be taken directly to the text of any laws that govern there and links that lead to more information.
- Belvedere
- Corte Madera
- Fairfax
- Larkspur
- Mill Valley
- Novato
- Ross
- San Anselmo
- San Rafael
- Sausalito
- Tiburon
Marin County Dog Leash Laws
The Marin County dog leash laws govern all unincorporated areas of the county. The following communities have also adopted the county laws by reference:
Belvedere
Corte Madera
Fairfax
Larkspur
Novato
Ross
San Anselmo
San Rafael
Tiburon
Marin County Dog Leash Laws Text:
Chapter 8.04, Section 8.04.175 – Dog control by responsible person.
(a) Dogs shall at all times be kept under the immediate control and direction of a competent, responsible person who is capable of controlling such an animal. Any dog which is not subject to such control and direction may be seized and impounded.
(b) Every owner/guardian or possessor of a dog shall at all times prevent such dog from biting or physically harassing any person engaged in a lawful act and from interfering with the lawful use of public or private property.
(c) Every owner/guardian or possessor of a dog shall at all times prevent such dog from causing injury to another domestic animal that results in veterinarian treatment or death while such domestic animal is lawfully upon public or private property. Every owner/guardian or possessor of a dog shall desist from commanding or provoking such dog to attack, sic or threaten a person when such person is peaceably and lawfully upon public or private property.
(Ord. 3476 § 1 (part), 2007: Ord. 3377 § 1 (part), 2003)
Mill Valley Dog Control Law
Mill Valley Dog Control Law Text:
Chapter 6.04, § 6.04.175 Dog control by responsible person.
Dogs shall at all times be on a leash. A leash must be capable of restraining the dog and no more than six feet in length. An expansion type leash may be used provided it can be contracted to a length of no more than six feet. The owner/guardian or possessor of any dog that is not on a leash may be cited for a violation of this chapter and the dog may be seized and impounded. This section does not apply to dogs in City-designated off-leash areas.
(Ord. 1311 § 2, October 21, 2019; Ord. 1321 § 3, November 16, 2020)
Sausalito Dog Control Law
Sausalito Dog Control Law Text:
Chapter 6.04, § 6.04.175 Dog control by responsible person.
A. Dogs shall at all times be kept under the immediate control and direction of a competent, responsible person who is capable of controlling such an animal. Any dog that is not subject to such control and direction may be seized and impounded.
(Formerly 6.04.171-A; Ord. 881 § 5.1, 1975; Ord. 981 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1076 § 3, 1992; Ord. 1171 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1190 § 1, 2008)
