Marin County Parks and Open Space Department

The Marin County Parks regulations governing dogs are intended to protect park resources and park visitors. Your efforts as responsible dog owners are necessary for resource protection and to ensure that other visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. Be respectful of others, be in control of your dog(s) at all times, and always clean up and pack out. Dogs are not permitted at McNears Beach, Paradise Beach, and Stafford Lake parks, except service animals.

When Visiting Marin County Parks or Facilities with Your Dog:

  • Dogs are permitted at Marin County parks and facilities when restrained by a leash (dogs are not permitted at McNears Beach Park, Paradise Beach Park, and Stafford Lake Park).
  • Leashes must not exceed six feet in length.
  • Dogs must not enter playground or play areas (enclosed or unenclosed), marshes, tide pools, ponds, or other sensitive wildlife areas.
  • Dog owners and individuals accompanying dogs at Marin County parks and facilities are required to clean up and remove dog waste.
  • All individuals bringing a dog or multiple dogs to Marin County parks and facilities must possess a leash no longer than six feet in length, for each dog.
  • Dogs may not be left unattended in vehicles at any time.
  • Service dogs and animals are permitted at all Marin County parks and facilities.
  • Violation of the Marin County Parks code is subject to citation and fine.

Excerpt from the Marin County Code

Section 10.06.010 - Dogs and other animals. Other than service animals that assist persons with disabilities, dogs and other domestic animals are not allowed within parks, except in areas designated otherwise. Where permitted, dogs and other domestic animals must be fastened to and restrained by a chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length except in areas exclusively used for dog parks. Dogs and other domestic animals must be under the direct and immediate control of a responsible person. No person shall do any of the following within parks:

  1. Allow any dog or other domestic animal to enter environmentally sensitive or restricted areas;
  2. Allow any dog or other domestic animal to interfere with, bother or disturb others;
  3. Allow any dog or other domestic animal to hunt, pursue or harass other animals or wildlife;
  4. Bring or keep a noisy, vicious or dangerous dog or other animal;
  5. Tie or hitch any dog or domestic animal to a tree or plant;
  6. Bring or keep a dog four months of age or more without proof that the dog has a valid rabies inoculation or a valid license;
  7. Leave a dog or other animal in an unattended vehicle without adequate ventilation, or in such manner as to subject the animal to extreme temperatures that adversely affect the animal's health or welfare;
  8. Fail to promptly remove from parks any dog or other domestic animal after being ordered by authorized department personnel to do so.

Dogs and other animals, other than service animals that assist persons with disabilities, are not permitted in buildings managed by the department.

Visit Rules and Regulations to view the entire Marin County Parks Code, Title 10.

Dog Parks

The Marin County Parks and Open Space Department does not have a formal dog park or, as the Marin Humane Society describes, “a place where dogs can socialize and run off leash in a safe, secure environment.” Please visit the Marin Humane Society for information about dog parks in Marin. Check out DogFriendly.com for a comprehensive guide to dog-friendly locations in Marin and the North Bay.

Dogs and Other Land Management Agencies

A mix of local, state, and federal agencies own public land throughout Marin. Each agency has unique and different regulations concerning dogs. The following links are provided to help dog owners locate information and understand which public agency has jurisdiction over the area(s) they want to visit with their dog(s).