Cupertino, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

010 defines a "potentially dangerous dog" as one that, without provocation, bites a human or domestic animal, chases or approaches people or animals on a street or public ground in a threatening manner, has a known propensity for unprovoked attack, or has been specifically trained to guard persons or property; police and assistance dogs performing law enforcement duties are excluded. A "dangerous dog" is one that has inflicted severe injury on a human or domestic animal, or that repeats the behavior that earned it a potentially dangerous designation.

035 requires the owner to keep it on a leash no longer than six feet, muzzle a dangerous dog, and post a sign at every entrance to where the dog is confined, written so a child with a normal second-grader's reading skill can understand it. A dangerous dog additionally must be kept in a locked pen or kennel with secured sides, top, and floor (or sides sunk at least two feet into the ground) behind a fence at least six feet high, unless it's kept in an apartment or condominium, and any windows or doors of a structure holding the dog must be secured so it can't get out unassisted.

040 requires annual registration of a dangerous dog with the City Manager, plus a public liability insurance policy of at least fifty thousand dollars for a single incident, with thirty days' written notice to the City before any cancellation or material change; an owner who can't meet those conditions must surrender the dog to the City Manager for humane destruction or other disposition, at the Manager's discretion.