Citrus Heights, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State Preemption
- F&A Code §31683
- Local Bans
- Prohibited
- Spay/Neuter by Breed
- Allowed (H&S §122331)
- Dangerous Dog
- Behavior-based, F&A §31601
- HOAs/Landlords
- May still restrict
Summary
Citrus Heights cannot ban or restrict specific dog breeds. California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 preempts all local breed-specific legislation statewide. Dangerous dog designations are behavior-based only and follow state procedures under F&A Code §31601 et seq.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a city or county from adopting or enforcing its own program for the control of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs that may incorporate all, part, or none of this chapter, or that may punish a violation of this chapter as a misdemeanor or may impose a more restrictive program to control potentially dangerous or vicious dogs. Except as provided in Section 122331 of the Health and Safety Code, no program regulating any dog shall be specific as to breed.
Full Breakdown
California Food & Agricultural Code §31683, enacted in 1989 and strengthened over time, explicitly prohibits any city or county from enacting dog control ordinances that are specific as to breed. This preempts any attempt by Citrus Heights to ban pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, or any other breed. The narrow exception in California Health & Safety Code §122331 allows breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter programs, but not ownership bans. A dog in Citrus Heights may be declared potentially dangerous or vicious only based on individual behavior under F&A Code §31601-31683, following a hearing process administered by Sacramento County Animal Services. Landlords and HOAs may still impose breed restrictions on private property, as the statute only restricts government action. Homeowner insurance carriers may also restrict breeds independently.
Violations & Fines
No breed-based violations. Behavior-based dangerous dog hearings result in containment orders, muzzling requirements, liability insurance, or euthanasia for vicious designations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a pit bull in Citrus Heights?
Can my HOA ban certain breeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Citrus Heights
How Citrus Heights compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Citrus Heights to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle breed restrictions.