What dog owners in San Francisco need to know — license, leash rules and barking — in plain English, each linked to the official San Francisco page it came from.
Every dog over four months old must be licensed. One year costs $32 if altered ($47 for two years, $63 for three) and $79 if unaltered ($150 / $221). Owners who are senior citizens pay half.
All dogs must be leashed or tethered except in designated dog play (off-leash) areas. In those areas one person may have at most six dogs off leash; commercial dog walkers need a permit and may walk at most eight.
Source: SF Health Code § 41.12(a)
Barking dog complaints go to Animal Care & Control through 311; police step in only if Animal Care & Control asks.
Source: SFPD General Order 6.07
Not covered yet: pet limits — we only publish a rule when we can link to the official page. Ask San Francisco 311 or animal services.
Yes. California requires dogs over 4 months to be licensed at least every two years by the city or county, with proof of rabies vaccination.
California has no statewide leash law. State law bars letting a female dog in heat run at large, and dogs off their premises must wear an ID or licence tag; leash rules are set by cities and counties.
Cal. Food & Agric. Code §§ 30951, 30955 · Compare all states →
California requires dogs over 4 months to be vaccinated against rabies; cats are left to cities and counties.
California caps security, however it is labelled, at one month's rent on top of the first month — two months for certain small landlords. A separate pet deposit cannot push the total past the cap.
When FDA announces a dog or cat food recall, we email you the brand, the product and what to do.
Or follow the RSS feedGeneral information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change, often every year — the official page linked under each answer is the final word. Counties and homeowner associations may add their own rules.
