Milpitas, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Milpitas's Municipal Code (Chapter 210, Animal Regulations) contains no breed-specific ban; it regulates dogs by their individual behavior. Section V-210-2 defines a 'potentially dangerous dog' as a dog classified at one of five levels based on specific behavior it has exhibited, and defines a 'dangerous animal' as any animal that, because of its size, disposition, or other characteristics, would constitute a danger to humans, including any dog classified as a Level 3, 4, or 5 potentially dangerous dog. A 'menace' is defined as aggressive behavior by a dog that requires defensive action to prevent injury or that would make a reasonable person fear for safety. Under Section V-210-10, no person may keep a dangerous animal without first obtaining a dangerous animal permit, which carries a $150 fee for a 12-month term and may be denied where the animal would endanger persons or property. None of these provisions turn on breed. This is consistent with California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683, which permits local dangerous-dog programs but prohibits breed-specific provisions that declare a dog dangerous or vicious based on breed alone (cities may regulate breed-specific spay/neuter or breeding, but not ownership bans). As a result, no breed such as a pit bull is banned in Milpitas by breed alone.