San Jose, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Basis for designation
- individual behavior, not breed
- Governing chapter
- SJMC Chapter 7.30
- Breed named in code
- no
- Dangerous dog fine
- up to $500 per incident
- Vicious dog fine
- up to $1,000 per incident
Summary
San Jose's Municipal Code labels a dog dangerous or vicious based on documented bites, attacks or injuries under Chapter 7.30: never because of its breed. No local ordinance singles out pit bulls or any other breed for extra restrictions.
"Dangerous dog" means any dog other than a police dog that has committed or meets any one (1) of the following: A.Killed or caused the death of another domestic animal. B.Bitten a person which resulted in an injury that is less than a severe injury. C.Threatened the safety of a person or animal and caused an injury to the person that is less than a severe injury.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
San José Municipal Code §§ 7.10.090, 7.10.180 and 7.10.210 define 'dangerous dog,' 'potentially dangerous dog' and 'vicious dog' entirely by what the animal has done, killing or injuring a person or another animal, or biting causing injury, with no reference to breed, size, or type anywhere in the definitions. Chapter 7.30 then runs the seizure, hearing and special dog permit process against that individual dog based on its own conduct. A dog is investigated, muzzled, confined, or ordered destroyed because of a documented incident, never because of what breed it is. Owners moving from a jurisdiction with breed bans should note the city imposes none.
Violations & Fines
Violations track individual dog conduct, not breed: a bite or attack can trigger summary seizure under § 7.30.020, and possessing a designated dangerous or vicious dog without the required special dog permit under § 7.30.500 is a separate unlawful act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Jose ban pit bulls or any specific dog breed?
How does a dog get labeled dangerous in San Jose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
How San Jose compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle breed restrictions.