Simi Valley, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State Preemption
- Cal. Food & Agric. Code § 31683 (no breed-specific bans)
- Breed-Specific Exception
- Spay/neuter/breeding only (Cal. HSC § 122331)
- Local Framework
- Ventura County Code §§ 4470-3 et seq. (Potentially Dangerous / Vicious Dogs)
- Off-Premises Restraint (Potentially Dangerous)
- Non-retractable leash ≤4 ft; responsible adult
- Off-Premises Restraint (Vicious)
- ≤4 ft leash + basket muzzle + responsible adult
- Misdemeanor Penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine and/or 6 months county jail (§ 4470-17)
- Civil Liability
- Strict liability for dog bites (Cal. Civ. Code § 3342)
Summary
Simi Valley does not have a breed-specific ban. California Food & Agricultural Code § 31683 prohibits any local dog-control program from being specific as to breed (except for spay/neuter and breeding requirements under HSC § 122331). The City instead uses the adopted Ventura County 'potentially dangerous' and 'vicious' dog framework (VCC §§ 4470-3 through 4470-17) based on a dog's actual behavior.
The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness. A person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner within the meaning of this section when he is on such property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by the laws of this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when he is on such property upon the invitation, express or implied, of the owner.
Full Breakdown
Under California Food & Agricultural Code § 31683, 'no program regulating any dog shall be specific as to breed,' except for spay, neuter, or breeding requirements authorized by Health & Safety Code § 122331. As a result, Simi Valley cannot, and does not, restrict ownership of pit bulls or any other breed. Instead, the City enforces the Ventura County 'potentially dangerous' and 'vicious' dog provisions (VCC § 4470-3) that Simi Valley adopted by reference under Ordinance No. 1337. A 'potentially dangerous dog' is any dog that, when unprovoked, on two separate occasions within 36 months engages in behavior requiring defensive action by a person off the dog's property, or bites causing a less severe injury, or kills/injures a domestic animal twice within 36 months.
A 'vicious dog' is one that, when unprovoked, inflicts severe injury or kills a person. A potentially dangerous dog must be kept indoors or in a securely fenced yard; off-premises it must be on a non-retractable leash no longer than four feet and under the control of a responsible adult, and must be spayed/neutered. A vicious dog has additional requirements including a Division-approved basket muzzle off-premises and posted warning signs. Owners of vicious dogs may be prohibited from owning any dog for up to three years (VCC § 4470-14).
Violations & Fines
Violation of a potentially-dangerous or vicious-dog order is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or up to six months in county jail, or both (VCC § 4470-17). The City may seek injunctive relief under § 4470-18. California Civil Code § 3342 also imposes strict civil liability on any dog owner whose dog bites a person in a public place or lawfully on private property, regardless of prior viciousness or owner knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls banned in Simi Valley?
What makes a dog 'vicious' in Simi Valley?
What restraint is required for a potentially dangerous dog?
If my dog bites someone in Simi Valley, am I automatically liable?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simi Valley
How Simi Valley compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Simi Valley to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle breed restrictions.