National City, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

National City regulates dangerous dogs by what the dog does, not by what it is. A search of the full Municipal Code turns up no listed breed in the animal chapters, so a dog is never restricted here because of its breed. Section 8.16.070 supplements the state procedures in Food and Agricultural Code sections 31601 through 31683 and Penal Code Section 399.5, and it authorizes the animal control officer to start proceedings to declare a dog potentially dangerous or vicious. The officer must immediately impound any dog that, by its actions in biting or menacing a human being or other animals, meets that definition. Section 8.16.005(C) takes the definitions from Food and Agricultural Code Sections 31602 and 31603.

Once a dog has been adjudicated potentially dangerous or vicious, it is unlawful and a misdemeanor to maintain it within the city limits (§ 8.16.070(B)). Under subsection C, a person who has owned a dog finally adjudicated to be vicious cannot own, possess or maintain any other dog on property the person owns, leases or controls in the city for three years from the date of final adjudication, and a dog found in violation of that condition is impounded under Chapter 8.04.

The city also offers a faster track. Under subsection D, the animal control officer can post a notice on the property from which the dog was impounded, with a duplicate mailed by certified and first class mail, stating that the dog will be declared vicious and euthanized five business days after impound unless the owner requests an administrative hearing. The hearing follows Penal Code Section 597.1, is informal, and is limited to whether the dog is potentially dangerous or vicious and whether it should be euthanized or given some alternative care. Failure to request the hearing waives the right to contest. Euthanasia can occur after five business days following service of the notice of decision if no appeal has been filed with the Superior Court, and a filed appeal keeps the dog impounded. The city attorney can also file a civil action to abate.

A dog that has bitten but is not processed under § 8.16.070 falls under the biting dog rules of § 8.16.130, which require a microchip and liability insurance. The only type-based restriction in the animal code is § 8.32.010(A)(7), which bans wolves, foxes, coyotes and any canine hybrid.