Upland, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

The City of Upland treats cats more leniently than dogs in its Animal code. Under Section 6.04.020, dog licensing is required, but cat registration was made voluntary commencing July 1, 1993, so cat owners are not obligated to license their cats. Section 6.04.115 limits a residence to no more than three cats that are four months of age or older, and the zoning code confirms that the combined total of dogs and cats may not exceed six animals four months or older. The leash and running-at-large provisions in Section 6.04.120 are directed at dogs and other animals and do not impose the six-foot leash requirement on domesticated cats, so cats are generally allowed to be off leash. Cats are still subject to the city's general nuisance and dangerous-animal provisions; for example, an animal that disturbs the peace or is declared dangerous can be addressed under Sections 6.04.140 and 6.04.170. Owners are encouraged to keep cats vaccinated and to use the voluntary registration so a lost cat impounded at the Upland Animal Shelter can be reunited with its owner. The shelter, operated in partnership with the nonprofit Friends of Upland Animal Shelter, offers adoptions and low-cost spay and neuter services that help residents comply with the per-household cat limit.