San Luis Obispo County Dog Leash Laws
Owning dogs is a labor of love, and it’s more than worth it. Dogs are loyal companions, part of the family, and they bring enormous joy to those with whom they share their lives. They also require constant, daily care, including feeding, grooming, loving and of course exercising. Dogs need to go out and walk every day.
When we do this, we need to keep our dogs safe. That’s why communities have dog leash and running at large laws. San Luis Obispo County has a series of dog leash and running at large laws in place in its communities. If you’d like to know what yours is, click on the appropriate name from the list of incorporated communities below to be taken to the statutory text in place and a link for more information.
San Luis Obispo County Dog Leash Laws
The San Luis Obispo County dog leash laws govern the unincorporated communities in the county. The county law below has also been incorporated by reference into the following community municipal codes:
Arroyo Grande
Grover Beach
Morro Bay
Paso Robles
Pismo Beach
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo County Dog Leash Law Text:
Chapter 9.03, Section 9.03.005 – Leash law.
(a) No person shall permit any dog owned, harbored, or controlled by him to be in or upon any public roadway, walkway, park or other public area unless securely restrained by a leash and under the direct control of a person competent to exercise full care, custody, and charge over such dog, or unless the dog is at a “heel” beside a person and obedient to that person’s command.
(b) No person shall permit any dog owned, harbored, or controlled by him to trespass or be upon the private property of another without the express prior consent of the property owner or possessor.
(c) The provisions of this section shall not be applicable:
(1) To any dog actively engaged in the herding of livestock or hunting provided it is obedient to the commands of the person controlling them during these activities;
(2) Within the boundaries of any park or other public area specifically designated and authorized by the controlling agency as an off-leash recreational area for dogs; or
(3) Any registered service dogs or dogs associated with search and rescue or law enforcement.
(Ord. No. 3498, 11-7-23)
Atascadero Dog Leash Law
Atascadero Dog Leash Law Text:
Article 2, § 4-1.202 Leash law.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to permit any dog owned, harbored, or controlled by him or her to be on any public street, alley, lane, park or place of whatever nature open to and used by the public in the incorporated areas of the City unless such dog is securely leashed and the leash is held continuously in the hand of a responsible person capable of controlling such dog, or unless the dog is securely confined in a vehicle, or unless the dog is at “heel” beside a competent person and obedient to that person’s command.
(Ord. 33 § 4-1.202, 1980)
