Folsom, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- CA F&A §31683 preemption
- Local Breed Ban
- Prohibited statewide
- Dangerous Dog
- Behavior-based only
- Spay/Neuter Exception
- Permitted (not adopted in Folsom)
- HOA/Insurance
- Not preempted
Summary
California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 preempts all breed-specific legislation statewide. Folsom cannot ban pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, or any breed. Dangerous-dog designations must be based on individual behavior, not breed.
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. Effective January 1, 2006.)
Full Breakdown
California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 expressly prohibits cities and counties from enacting breed-specific legislation banning or restricting dog ownership by breed. A narrow exception under Health & Safety Code §122331 permits local breed-specific MANDATORY SPAY/NEUTER programs, but Folsom has not adopted one. Dangerous and vicious dog designations are made under California Food & Ag Code §31601 et seq. based on the individual animal's documented behavior (bites, attacks). Sacramento County Animal Care handles hearings. A dog declared 'potentially dangerous' or 'vicious' must be kept indoors or in a secure enclosure, muzzled in public, and the owner must carry liability insurance. Homeowner's insurance carriers and HOAs may still impose breed restrictions: those are private and not preempted.
Violations & Fines
Cities cannot enforce breed bans: any local ordinance would be void. Dangerous dog violations: $500-$1,000 per CA F&A Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Folsom ban pit bulls?
Can my HOA or insurer restrict breeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Folsom
How Folsom compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Folsom 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.