Woodland, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Woodland Municipal Code Section 6.04.040 defines a "vicious dog" without reference to breed: the definition instead covers any dog whose size, training, behavior, or physical nature makes it capable of inflicting serious harm or death and would endanger life or property if not properly confined, any dog that has previously bitten a person badly enough to require medical treatment (unless the County Animal Control Division Chief excuses the attack), any dog whose owner knows or should know it tends to attack or bite people, and any dog trained as an attack or protection animal outside law enforcement use.

Once a dog meets that standard, the owner, keeper, or harborer must keep it muzzled and on a leash no longer than four feet whenever it leaves its kennel or yard, and must otherwise confine it in a securely locked, fully enclosed pen, kennel, or fenced yard built to prevent escape and compliant with City zoning and building rules; the dog cannot be kept where it could exit a porch, patio, or house on its own. A "Beware of Dog" sign must go up within 10 days at the property and on the pen or kennel itself, and the owner must file proof with the City Clerk of a $50,000.00 public liability insurance policy covering injury or death the dog might cause, with 10 days' written cancellation notice required to the City.