Fairfield, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed-specific ban
- None in Fairfield
- State preemption
- Cal. Food & Ag. Code Section 31683
- Permitted local rule
- Breed-targeted spay/neuter only (not adopted in Fairfield)
- Dangerous dog standard
- Behavior-based, individual hearing
- Enforcement
- Solano County Animal Care Services
Summary
Fairfield has no breed-specific dog ban. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 preempts cities from declaring any breed dangerous or vicious by breed alone, though Fairfield enforces dangerous-dog rules based on individual behavior.
31683. 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. (Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 668, Sec. 1.
Full Breakdown
Fairfield does not maintain a breed-specific ordinance prohibiting pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, or any other breed. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 expressly preempts local governments from adopting any 'program for the control of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs' that is 'specific as to breed.' This statute allows California cities to regulate dangerous dogs based on the specific dog's behavior but bars outright breed bans, confiscation by breed, or breed-targeted ownership restrictions. The only narrow exception under the same statute permits mandatory spay/neuter or breeding restrictions targeted by breed, but Fairfield has not adopted any such ordinance. Dangerous and vicious dog regulations in Fairfield are administered through Solano County Animal Care Services using individualized hearings under Food and Agricultural Code Sections 31601 through 31683. A dog declared 'potentially dangerous' or 'vicious' may face confinement requirements, mandatory liability insurance, microchipping, spay/neuter orders, or, in severe cases, court-ordered destruction, regardless of breed.
Violations & Fines
Because there is no breed ban, no breed-based penalties exist. However, owners of any dog that bites, attacks, or repeatedly threatens people or animals may be subject to dangerous-dog hearings, mandatory containment orders, civil liability, and criminal charges under California Penal Code Section 399.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Fairfield ban pit bulls or any other breed?
Does my landlord or HOA have to follow the same rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfield
How Fairfield compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Fairfield to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Solano County handle breed restrictions.