San Jose, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

It is unlawful of any person to own, maintain, or board any adult dog or adult cat that has not been licensed pursuant to the provisions of this part, except that a license is not required for a dog or cat owned, maintained by, or under the control of a nonresident of the city which is kept in the city for thirty (30) or fewer days in any twelve (12) month period.B.Any dog or cat that is not properly licensed in accordance with this part is rebuttably presumed to be an unvaccinated stray animal and may be subject to the seizure and impoundment procedures set forth in Chapter 7.50 of this title.C.Animal shelters, animal hospitals, animal rescuers, commercial kennels, and pet shops are exempt from the requirement of this section to obtain a license for each dog or cat within the facility unless the dog or cat is owned by a person that owns or works at the facility.D.Annexed lands: The owner/guardian of a dog or cat that is currently licensed in a separate jurisdiction at the time the property where the animal resides is annexed to the City of San José, may exchange his or her current license for a license from the city within sixty (60) days of the annexation provided the rabies vaccination is current for the license period. Upon expiration of the valid rabies vaccination that was in effect at the time of annexation, the owner/guardian shall thereafter license the dog or cat in San José in accordance with the established process and fees for all residents.