Santa Clarita Breed Restrictions Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

The City of Santa Clarita does not impose any breed-specific restrictions on dog ownership. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 preempts all local breed-specific legislation (BSL), meaning no city or county in California can ban or restrict ownership based on a dog's breed. This applies to all commonly discussed breeds including pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and others.

Instead, Santa Clarita regulates dogs based on individual behavior through Chapter 8.37 (Dangerous Dogs). A dog may be declared dangerous if it: (1) has bitten or caused serious injury to a person or domestic animal without provocation; (2) menaces or attempts to bite or attack any person without provocation, or destroys property; or (3) engages in an attack requiring defensive action by a person acting peacefully and lawfully. The dangerous dog process involves administrative hearings where oral and documentary evidence is considered before a determination is made.

Owners of dogs declared dangerous must maintain a secure enclosure with a fence or wall not less than 5 feet in height. The dangerous dog provisions are intended to supplement state statutes and county ordinances on the topic. Any person convicted under these provisions is prohibited from owning, possessing, controlling, or being in charge of any dog for a period of three years from the date of conviction. The city contracts with the LA County Department of Animal Care and Control, which handles dangerous dog investigations and hearings.