Fullerton, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Fullerton does not impose breed-specific bans or restrictions on any dog breed. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 prohibits cities and counties from enacting breed-specific legislation that bans or restricts ownership of dogs based solely on their breed. This means pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and all other breeds are legally permitted in Fullerton. However, individual dogs of any breed that bite, attack, or behave aggressively may be declared potentially dangerous or vicious under Orange County animal control ordinances and California Food and Agricultural Code Sections 31601-31683.

A potentially dangerous dog is one that has bitten a person or behaved in a way that requires a person to take defensive action on two or more occasions within a 36-month period, or has killed or injured a domestic animal off the owner's property. A vicious dog is one that inflicts severe injury or kills a person. Owners of potentially dangerous dogs must comply with additional requirements including special enclosure standards, signage, liability insurance or bond, and muzzle and leash requirements when in public. Vicious dog declarations may result in euthanasia. All dogs in Fullerton must be licensed with OC Animal Care and display current rabies vaccination tags.