San Francisco dog leash rules

San Francisco has two sets of rules, depending on who runs the land.

City parks (SF Recreation & Park)

Dogs may be off-leash only inside the city's designated dog play areas. In the rest of any city park, dogs must be leashed. Inside the play areas:

• Pick up and remove dog waste.
• Leash your dog in on-leash areas.
• Do not leave your dog unattended.
• Control excessive barking and noise.
• Prevent digging and destructive behavior.
• Keep vaccinations and licenses current.
• Dog walkers are welcome but should limit themselves to eight dogs.

Dogs are not allowed on athletic fields; tennis, basketball and volleyball courts; children's play areas; or sensitive natural habitat, even on a leash.

Federal land (Golden Gate National Recreation Area)

Fort Funston, Crissy Field and Ocean Beach are part of the GGNRA, the only National Park Service site with designated off-leash dog areas. Off-leash walking is allowed only in designated zones and only with your dog under voice and sight control. Elsewhere, leashes must be six feet or shorter.

• Crissy Field: off-leash in designated parts of the central beach and grassy airfield; leashes on the promenade; extra limits in the Wildlife Protection Area at the west end.
• Ocean Beach: rules vary by section, with protected areas for the western snowy plover.
• Fort Funston: off-leash in designated areas; some zones are closed for habitat or erosion.
• Commercial dog walkers need a permit and may walk no more than six dogs.

Rules change, and this page is a summary, not legal advice. Posted signs and the official SF Rec & Park and National Park Service pages take precedence.