Welcome to hound law. Be an ambassador for dogs: obey these nine city laws. Pick up after your dog. Keep her on a leash. Teach her to behave. Read this entire page!

Be a Humane Guardian
In 2005, the Board of Supervisors issued an ordinance (amending sections 41.12 and 41.13 of the San Francisco Health Code) that states that all dogs must be provided with: (a) an enclosed protective shelter large enough for them to stand, turn around, and rest comfortably in; (b) fresh water in a sturdy container; (c) a good supply of food; (d) adequate exercise. For the full details, including penalties for violating the ordinance, download this pdf file from the Board of Supervisors website.

Get a License
In San Francisco, all dogs four months of age and older must have a current license (Health Code Section 41.15). If the law alone does not motivate you, consider these persuasive arguments (from Animal Care and Control) in favor of getting a dog license. Among them: (1) If your dog gets lost, a dog license tag is not only the best way for him to be identified, it also proves he's vaccinated for rabies; (2) Dog licensing fees help support the city's animal shelter; (3) As more dogs are licensed more attention will paid to groups that advocate for off-leash areas and other dog-related issues. You can apply for your dog's license online. Otherwise, visit one of the following locations during business hours with proof of current rabies vaccination:

San Francisco Animal Care and Control		1200 15th St. at Harrison 415-554-6364 Open 7 days a week, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Wednesday until 7 p.m.). Closed city holidays. view website
Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector		City Hall 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl., Rm. 110 415-554-6449 Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed city holidays. view website
Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital		1001 Ocean Ave. at Harold 415-586-5327 Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. view website

Get Your Dog Vaccinated for Rabies
Every dog over four months must have a current rabies vaccine (Health Code Section 41.18 (a)). You'll need proof that your dog is vaccinated to get a dog license.

Scoop the Poop
The law requires that you always pick up after your dog, and carry "a suitable instrument" to do so whenever you walk your dog (Health Code Section 40).

Don't Leave Your Dog in the Car
It's not just good sense, it's the law. Don't leave your dog in the car without adequate ventilation or in extreme temperatures (Health Code Section 40.6).

Don't Let Your Dog Run Free
Your dog must be on a leash unless you are in one of the 26 dog play areas officially recognized by the city.

Keep Your Dog Quiet
There's no San Francisco law that specifically applies to noisy dogs, but if your barking dog is disruptive enough you could be prosecuted under general city noise regulations (Police Code Article 29). Report noisy dogs to the San Francisco Police Department at 415-553-0123.

Deal Appropriately With Dog Bites
If your dog bites someone, you are required to provide your name and address and a valid ID, along with proof that the dog has been vaccinated for rabies (Health Code Section 39) . All bites should be reported to the Animal Care & Control Bite Division at 415-554-9422.

Spay or Neuter Your Pit Bull
It's now illegal to own an unaltered pit bull or pit bull mix if you live in San Francisco (Health Code Article 1 Section 43). If you don't comply, you could be fined up to $500. For more information, including a referral to a free or low-cost spay and neuter service, call Animal Care and Control at 415-554-6364 or write Pit.Bull.Ordinance@sfgov.org.