Top 10 Most Important Los Angeles Dog Park Laws

Top 10 Most Important Los Angeles Dog Park Laws

May 1, 2024

Whether it’s for companionship or security, dogs are one of the most beloved pets. With over 65 million US households owning a dog, they’re also extremely popular.

Here in Los Angeles, visiting dog parks is a common pastime enjoyed by many residents. But people may bring their dogs to one of the 12 local parks in Los Angeles County without properly understanding the rules and regulations.

Fortunately, Dordulian Law Group’s Glendale dog bite lawyers have put together a comprehensive list of the Top 10 Laws you need to know when visiting an area park.

Top 10 Los Angeles Dog Park Laws You Need to Know

Dogs – not puppies – are the only animals allowed in Los Angeles parks (technically, your dog must be at least four months old). Additionally, you as the pet owner must meet a number of requirements before bringing your dog into a park:

• Your dog must be licensed (available through the LA County Department of Animal Care & Control)
• Your dog must be vaccinated
• Your dog must be spayed or neutered
• Your dog must wear a collar which displays your contact information

Additionally, we’ve put together the Top 10 Most Important Rules and Regulations you should know when visiting a Los Angeles dog park:

1. Aggressive dogs are not allowed in the par, and those exhibiting unusually aggressive behavior are to be removed from the park at once (LAMC 53.34).
2. Dog defecation is to be immediately removed by the animal owner (LAMC 53.49).
3. Dogs must not ever be left unattended. (LAMC 53.10 and 53.12) Any dogs left unattended will be taken to a shelter.
4. Female dogs in any stage of heat are not permitted in the park (LAMC 53.29).
5. Grooming of dogs is prohibited in the park.
6. In the event of dog bite or injury, the owner/guardian must exchange current tag information and phone number with the victim (LAMC 53.29, 53.38).
7. Small children must be closely supervised by an adult at all times (the Parks Department recommends discouraging your child from running to minimize the chance of being chased).
8. Dogs with communicable diseases are not allowed on park premises at any time (LAMC 53.30).
9. Alcohol is prohibited (LAMC 41.27).
10. Abandoning of animals is prohibited (497(s) P.C.).

If you need help while visiting a Los Angeles dog park, Security Service through the Los Angeles Police Department can be contacted at (213) 978-4670.

Moreover, it’s important to note that dog parks have a strict rule on commercial activities. Permits are required for all such events. Call (818) 785-5798 for permit information.

List of the 12 Los Angeles County Dog Parks

1. Eagle Rock Dog Park
2. Glen Alla Dog Park
3. Griffith Park Dog Park
4. Hermon Park in the Arroyo Seco Dog Park
5. Lauren Canyon Dog Park
6. Runyon Canyon Dog Park
7. Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park
8. Silverlake Dog Park
9. Veterans’ Barrington Dog Park
10. Westminster Dog Park
11. Westwood Dog Park
12. Whitnall Off-Leash Dog Park

Penalties for Not Following Los Angeles Dog Park Laws

According to Municipal Code 10.32.010, your dog must wear a leash no longer than six feet when walking on public land or in common areas of private properties. You or the person who is holding your dog’s lead must be able to control your pet with that leash. You may allow your dog to run off-leash only on your private property, e.g. inside your house or in a dog park such as Eagle Rock Recreation Center.

Those who violate leash regulations are subject to penalties. Fines are currently set at the following:

• First Offense: $100
• Second Offense $250
• Third Offense: $500

Los Angeles Animal Services encourages its residents to report a dog off-leash by visiting their local shelter.

Not properly leashing a dog can result in serious consequences for other park visitors. If your dog attacks someone while unrestrained, California will hold you “strictly responsible” for the victim’s resulting injuries (regardless of whether or not you knew that your dog would bite, attack, or otherwise harm someone). Under California’s strict liability law, the injured dog bite victim does not have to prove negligence. If you fail to leash or control your dog properly, then you are responsible under the law.

The only exceptions to the strict liability dog bite rule under California law include:

• If the person who was attacked was on your property (for example, if your pet dog attacked a burglar at your house).
• If you can prove that the injured party provoked your dog.

Dog park laws are in place to protect everyone from injury. Accordingly, the financial penalties of a civil lawsuit for any personal injury you as a pet owner may incur will likely be far greater than the fines associated with an unleashed animal ticket.

What Should I Do After Suffering a Dog Bite at a Los Angeles Park?

If you’ve suffered a dog bite or attack while visiting a Los Angeles dog park, the first and most important step is receiving proper medical attention. Dog bites – even those that are seemingly minor in the initial hours afterward – can be serious and even life-threatening. Never take chances with a dog bite – undergoing a thorough medical exam by a licensed California physician is strongly recommended.

Once your health has been addressed, there are some additional steps that the dog bite and personal injury attorneys at Dordulian Law Group (D Law Group) recommend.

While it’s not mandatory to report a bite from a dog, it could be in your best interest for evidence purposes should you ultimately choose to pursue a civil claim against the animal owner. Californians who have been injured by a dog bite are advised to contact their local police or animal control immediately after the attack. Document the whole experience as thoroughly as possible, including as much contact information about the owner as is available. If the dog runs off, you should try to identify it (mentally picture the animal if possible).

Ready to file a claim and pursue justice through a financial damages award? Our expert attorneys are available online or by phone now.

Next, call one of our experienced, proven, and aggressive attorneys for a free and confidential case review at 866-GO-SEE-SAM. We will collect important information such as your medical bills, photos of your injuries, and details of the location where the dog bite happened and pursue justice through maximum financial compensation on your behalf.

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Check also:
Is California a ‘Strict Liability’ or ‘One-Bite’ Rule State for Dog Bite Claims?
Average Dog Bite Injury Insurance Claim Payout Increased 32% in 2022
Top 10 Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Can You Sue for a Minor Dog Bite Injury in California?
Guide To California Dog Bite Injury Law