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San Francisco, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Covered breeds
Pit bull types by AKC/UKC standard
Core mandate
Spay or neuter required
Exceptions
Puppies, medical, show dogs, breeders
First offense
Infraction, up to $500
Second offense
Misdemeanor, up to 6 months

Summary

San Francisco requires every pit bull in the city to be spayed or neutered, defining the breed by AKC/UKC standards and physical traits.

No person may own, keep, or harbor any dog within the City and County of San Francisco that the person in possession knew, or should have known, was a pit bull that has not been spayed or neutered unless: (a) The pit bull is under eight weeks of age...

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Health Code Sec. 43 defines "pit bull" as any American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or dog displaying the physical traits or AKC/UKC breed standards of those breeds. Sec. 43.1 bars anyone from owning, keeping, or harboring an unspayed or unneutered pit bull in the City and County, with narrow exceptions for puppies under eight weeks, medically unfit dogs, dogs present under 30 days, breeding-permit holders, dogs under a breed-determination appeal, or certified show dogs. The Department of Animal Care and Control decides disputed breed determinations, appealable to the Director within five business days.

Violations & Fines

First violation: infraction, up to $500 fine, plus mandatory spay/neuter to reclaim the impounded dog. Second violation: misdemeanor, up to six months in County Jail and/or a $1,000 fine, per Health Code Sec. 43.2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does San Francisco ban pit bulls?
No. The city does not ban ownership but requires pit bulls to be spayed or neutered under Health Code Sec. 43.1, with limited exceptions.
Who decides if a dog is legally a pit bull?
Animal Care and Control makes the determination; owners can appeal to the Department Director within five business days under Sec. 43(b).

Sources & Official References

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