California Dog Poop Laws by County
Dog owners in California are legally and socially responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Across the state, cities and counties enforce dog waste laws to keep public spaces clean, protect water quality, and prevent health risks. In this guide, we’ll break down dog poop laws by county so you know what’s required and where.
Is It Illegal to Leave Dog Poop in California?
Yes. In nearly every county and city in California, leaving dog poop in public or private spaces is against the law. Whether you’re walking your dog in a park, on a sidewalk, or through a neighborhood, you must pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Failing to do so can lead to fines and even community complaints under nuisance or sanitation codes.
Los Angeles County (Los Angeles, Pasadena, Long Beach)
Los Angeles has strict dog poop laws. Under LA Municipal Code Sec. 53.49, dog owners must remove pet waste immediately from public or private property not their own. This includes sidewalks, parks, and even alleys. Fines start at $100 and increase with repeated offenses. Cities like Pasadena and Long Beach follow similar rules.
San Diego County (San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside)
San Diego’s Municipal Code requires dog owners to pick up and dispose of their pet’s feces on any public or private property they do not own. Failing to comply may result in fines of $250 or more. Many city parks have pet waste bag dispensers, and enforcement officers frequently patrol dog-friendly areas.
Orange County (Anaheim, Irvine, Santa Ana)
Orange County cities have their own ordinances, but most follow the same principle: clean up after your dog, or pay the price. For example:
- Irvine: City code requires waste removal and proper disposal. First offenses can cost $100.
- Anaheim: Dog owners must carry a means to collect feces and clean up immediately.
- Santa Ana: Includes pet waste rules under its municipal code, with fines and citations issued for violations.
San Francisco County
San Francisco enforces one of the strictest pet waste laws in the state. City code makes it mandatory to remove dog waste from sidewalks, parks, and even the curbside. Not only can you be fined, but the city also encourages neighbors to report violations. Poop left on the street can be considered a public nuisance and lead to sanitation citations.
Santa Clara County (San Jose, Sunnyvale)
San Jose Municipal Code requires pet owners to clean up after their animals in all public areas. Fines range from $50 to $250 depending on the number of prior violations. Many parks provide waste disposal bags, but it’s always recommended to bring your own.
Alameda County (Oakland, Fremont, Berkeley)
Most Alameda County cities require dog waste to be picked up and properly thrown away. Oakland and Berkeley are especially proactive with enforcement in public parks and neighborhoods. Berkeley even encourages residents to report repeated violations to animal control for follow-up action.
Riverside County
In Riverside County, especially in urban areas like Riverside and Moreno Valley, pet owners must follow cleanup laws. Leaving dog waste behind can result in citations and neighborhood complaints. Public parks have visible signage and dedicated disposal stations for pet waste.
Fresno County
Fresno’s Municipal Code requires immediate removal of pet waste in public areas. Violations can result in fines or warnings, especially in parks, school areas, and dog-friendly trails. The city also supports public awareness campaigns encouraging dog owners to do their part in keeping areas clean.
Smaller and Rural Counties
In more rural counties like Tuolumne, Tehama, or Lassen, specific pooper scooper laws might not be listed in the local code. However, general nuisance and sanitation laws still apply. Leaving dog waste in public can lead to community complaints or environmental health citations.
Fines and Penalties for Not Picking Up Dog Poop in California
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you could face if you leave dog poop behind:
- Fines ranging from $50 to $500
- Repeat violations may result in court appearances
- HOA and park bans in private communities
In most cases, a first-time offense results in a warning or small fine, but cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles are known to ticket offenders regularly.
Dog Waste Laws and HOAs
Many Homeowner Associations (HOAs) in California have their own rules about pet waste. These may include:
- Mandatory cleanup of dog waste on shared property
- Extra fines added to monthly dues
- Loss of privileges in community dog parks or trails
Always review your HOA’s bylaws to avoid unexpected penalties or disputes with neighbors.
California State Parks and Trails
In state-managed parks like Big Sur, Yosemite, and Mount Tamalpais, pet waste cleanup is a must. Most park rangers will issue citations if dog waste is found along trails or near campsites. Bring waste bags with you, and follow all posted signs to avoid trouble.
How Old Is Your Dog in Human Years?
Want to better understand your dog’s behavior or health needs? Start by finding out how old your dog really is. Use this dog age calculator to learn your pet’s age in human years.
Whether you’ve got a playful puppy or a calm senior dog, this interactive tool gives you quick results based on breed and size.
Click here to calculate your dog’s age now. It only takes a moment and can help guide your care choices.
Summary of Dog Poop Laws by California County
| County | Main Cities | Poop Law? | Fines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | LA, Pasadena, Long Beach | Yes | $100–$500 |
| San Diego | San Diego, Oceanside | Yes | $250+ |
| Orange | Anaheim, Irvine | Yes | $100–$200 |
| San Francisco | San Francisco | Yes | Strict enforcement |
| Santa Clara | San Jose, Sunnyvale | Yes | $50–$250 |
| Alameda | Oakland, Berkeley | Yes | Fines + reporting |
| Riverside | Riverside, Moreno Valley | Yes | $100–$300 |
| Fresno | Fresno | Yes | City citations |
| Rural Counties | Various | General sanitation laws | Local enforcement |
Conclusion
Dog poop laws in California are serious business. Whether you’re in a major city like LA or a small town in the mountains, the law requires you to clean up after your pet. Doing so keeps communities clean, prevents disease, and shows respect to neighbors and nature.
And while you’re staying responsible on walks, take a minute to find your dog’s real age. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in how you care for your furry friend.