Alhambra, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Alhambra adopts the Los Angeles County animal control ordinance (County Code Title 10) under Municipal Code Chapter 7.04, but it amends the dog limit downward. The City of Alhambra's official Animal Care page states that 'only two domestic dogs are allowed per household,' citing Municipal Code Section 7.20.120 (Keeping More than Two Dogs Prohibited). This is stricter than the county default in County Code 10.20.038, which says it is unlawful to keep more than three dogs at any residence without an animal facility license. For cats, County Code 10.20.038 allows up to five cats per residence, each licensed and kept primarily indoors; however, Alhambra's amendments under Municipal Code Section 7.04.030 exempt cats from the county's cat-licensing requirement, so cat licensing in Alhambra is voluntary rather than mandatory. Every dog over four months old must be licensed and wear a metal tag (Municipal Code Section 7.20.020), and Alhambra requires dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered, with the city setting the trigger at six months of age (Section 7.04.030, amending County Code 10.20.350). Owners exceeding the dog limit, or wanting more animals, generally need an animal facility license from L.A. County Animal Care and Control. Service dogs are not counted toward the dog limit under County Code 10.20.038.