Simi Valley, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

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).