San Bernardino County, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered breeds
- Staffordshire Bull/Pit Bull/Am. Staffordshire Terrier
- Minimum age
- 4 months
- Enforcing authority
- County Health Officer
- State basis
- Health & Safety Code § 122331
- Appeal window
- 5 calendar days
Summary
San Bernardino County requires every Pit Bull over four months old to be spayed or neutered under County Code § 32.1501, with narrow exemptions for AKC/UKC-registered dogs, service animals, and law enforcement K-9s.
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 122331, no person shall own or keep a Pit Bull over the age of four months which has not been spayed or neutered, except as provided in Subdivision (b) below. For purposes of this Section, "Pit Bull" is defined as any Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog, or any mixed breed of dog which contains, as an element of its breeding, any of these breeds so as to be identifiable as partially of the breed of Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier.
Full Breakdown
County Code § 32.1501 makes it unlawful to own or keep a Pit Bull, defined as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or an identifiable mix of these breeds, past four months of age without spaying or neutering. The Health Officer enforces the rule under Health and Safety Code § 122331. Exemptions cover AKC/UKC-registered purebreds, dogs used by law enforcement, qualified service or assistance animals, dogs too old or infirm to safely undergo surgery with a veterinarian's written confirmation, and breeding dogs at a licensed kennel under § 32.0301. Owners denied an exemption can appeal to the Health Officer within five calendar days under § 32.1504.
Violations & Fines
Keeping an unaltered, non-exempt Pit Bull past four months violates the County Code. An impounded unaltered dog must be sterilized before release; unpaid costs become a lien, and the dog can be deemed abandoned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Bernardino County ban pit bulls?
Which dogs count as "Pit Bull" under the ordinance?
Can a pit bull be exempted from the spay/neuter rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
How San Bernardino County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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