Rancho Cordova, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State Preemption
- F and A Code Section 31683
- Breed Bans
- Prohibited statewide
- Dangerous Dog
- Behavior-based only
- Spay and Neuter
- No city program
- Hearings
- Sac County Animal Services
Summary
Rancho Cordova does not restrict dogs by breed. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 preempts all local breed-specific legislation statewide, so no California city may ban pit bulls, Rottweilers, or any other breed.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a city or county from adopting or enforcing its own program for the control of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs that may incorporate all, part, or none of this chapter, or that may punish a violation of this chapter as a misdemeanor or may impose a more restrictive program to control potentially dangerous or vicious dogs. Except as provided in Section 122331 of the Health and Safety Code, no program regulating any dog shall be specific as to breed.
Full Breakdown
Under California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683, local governments are prohibited from adopting breed-specific legislation that declares a dog potentially dangerous or vicious based on breed alone. Dangerous dog designations in Rancho Cordova must be behavior-based, established through the Sacramento County Animal Services hearing process under Food and Agricultural Code Sections 31601 through 31683. California Health and Safety Code Section 122331 provides a narrow exception allowing breed-specific mandatory spay and neuter programs (not bans). Rancho Cordova has not adopted any such program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA ban certain breeds?
What makes a dog legally dangerous in Rancho Cordova?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rancho Cordova
How Rancho Cordova compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Rancho Cordova to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle breed restrictions.