Shasta County, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Unincorporated Shasta County does not ban or restrict any dog breed. Under California Food and Agricultural Code section 31683, local potentially-dangerous/vicious-dog programs may not be specific to a breed, and Shasta County's code is consistent with that. Section 6.04.040(A) of the County Code adopts and incorporates by reference Chapter 9, Division 14 of the Food and Agricultural Code (Food & Ag Code 31601 et seq.) governing potentially dangerous and vicious dogs. The determination is made case-by-case based on a dog's conduct, not its breed. If an animal regulation officer finds probable cause that a dog is potentially dangerous or vicious, the supervisor of the Sheriff's Office Animal Regulation Unit (or the contract agency's officer) files a petition with the County Administrative Officer for an administrative hearing, conducted under Food & Ag Code sections 31621-31623. A dog found potentially dangerous or vicious is flagged in Animal Regulation Unit records, and the owner pays an annual fee on top of normal licensing for the added recordkeeping (6.04.040(B)(7)). Related conduct rules apply to all dogs regardless of breed: 6.04.050(E) makes it unlawful to allow any animal to attack or injure a person or animal. Permits for keeping multiple dogs (6.04.080) cannot be used for breeding or training dogs for fighting events.