Lodi, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Basis
- Behavior-based, not breed-specific
- Compliance window
- 30 calendar days after notice
- Insurance required
- $100,000 minimum liability coverage
- Max fine
- $1,000 plus up to 6 months jail
- Repeat owner ban
- 3 years, no dogs in city
Summary
Lodi does not ban dog breeds by name, but Chapter 6.15 lets the police chief declare any dog 'vicious' or 'potentially dangerous' based on bite or attack history, triggering mandatory muzzling, $100,000 liability insurance, sterilization and microchipping regardless of breed.
E."Potentially dangerous dog" means:1.Any dog which, when unprovoked, on two separate occasions within the prior thirty-six-month period, engages in any behavior that requires a defensive action by any person to prevent bodily injury when the person and the dog are off the property of the owner or keeper of the dog; or ... H."Vicious dog" means:1.Any dog which has been trained to fight or which is owned or maintained for this purpose; or2.Any dog which, when unprovoked, in an aggressive manner, inflicts severe injury on or kills a human being; ... 6.15.110 - Penalties for willful violation of provisions regulating vicious and potentially dangerous dogs. ... Conviction for a violation of this chapter shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Upon conviction of a misdemeanor under this chapter, the court shall order the vicious or potentially dangerous dog to be seized and humanely destroyed. Any person convicted of a violation of this chapter shall be prohibited from owning or keeping any dog within the city for a minimum of three years.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 68).
Full Breakdown
15, the Vicious/Potentially Dangerous Dogs ordinance, is behavior-based rather than breed-based. 010 defines a 'potentially dangerous dog' as one that twice within thirty-six months requires a defensive action to prevent injury when off its owner's property, or that bites causing a less severe injury, or that twice attacks another animal or chicken hen off-property. A 'vicious dog' is one trained or maintained to fight, one that unprovoked inflicts severe injury or death on a human, a previously listed potentially dangerous dog that continues the behavior, or one that has killed or seriously injured another animal or chicken hen off-property.
The police chief investigates reported incidents and, on finding probable cause, can order the dog seized and confined at the owner's expense pending a hearing before the city manager or a hearing officer at City Hall, 221 West Pine Street. If the city manager upholds the designation, the dog is declared a public nuisance and may be ordered destroyed, removed from the city, or otherwise abated. 100), or the dog is humanely euthanized.
Violations & Fines
Any violation of Chapter 6.15 is a misdemeanor under Section 6.15.030(I). Willfully failing to comply with the notice, insurance, sterilization or muzzling requirements is punishable under Section 6.15.110 by a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both, plus a court-ordered seizure and destruction of the dog and a three-year ban on the owner keeping any dog in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lodi ban pit bulls or other breeds?
What happens if my dog is declared potentially dangerous in Lodi?
Can I appeal a vicious dog determination in Lodi?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lodi
How Lodi compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Lodi to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Joaquin County handle breed restrictions.