San Mateo County Dog Leash Laws

Wherever you go in San Mateo County, you’ll see people out with their dogs. Our dogs are a part of our lives, members of our families, and creatures that we love as much as just about anyone. That’s why it’s so important for dog owners to do what’s necessary to keep them happy and healthy, which obviously includes exercise, mental stimulation and socialization.

We also need to do what we can to keep our dogs and those who encounter them safe, which is why we have a system of San Mateo leash laws and laws regarding animals running at large. Without them, danger levels would increase for our dogs and humans. Below you’ll find a list of incorporated communities in San Mateo County. Each of them follows the statutory language that appears in the San Mateo County Municipal Code. You’ll find that language and a link for more information below the list.

  • Atherton
  • Belmont
  • Brisbane
  • Burlingame
  • Colma
  • Daly City
  • East Palo Alto
  • Foster City
  • Half Moon Bay
  • Hillsborough
  • Menlo Park
  • Millbrae
  • Pacifica
  • Portola Valley
  • Redwood City
  • San Bruno
  • San Carlos
  • San Mateo
  • South San Francisco
  • Woodside

San Mateo County Dog Leash Laws

The San Mateo County dog leash laws also apply to the unincorporated areas of the county.

San Mateo County Dog Leash Laws Text:

Title 6, Chapter 6.04, Section 6.04.060 – Prohibited conduct.

No Owner or other Person having care, custody or control of any animal shall cause or permit it to do any of following:

(a) To be upon any public street, sidewalk, park, school ground, any public property, or upon any unenclosed premises in this jurisdiction unless:

1) The animal is properly licensed, if such licensing is necessary hereunder; and

2) The animal is controlled by a chain, lead rope, or leash, which is connected to the animal’s collar, saddle, harness, or halter. This latter requirement is not applicable to cats, or to service animals under the complete control of the Owner or Caretaker.

An electric or invisible fence does not constitute an enclosure for the purposes of this requirement.

(b) To trespass upon any private property without the consent of the owner thereof, and to knowingly permit the animal to remain upon the property, or to habitually continue to trespass thereon.

(Ord. No. 04886, § 1, 1-9-2024)