San Benito County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- No permit needed
- 5 dogs or 9 cats
- Hobby kennel permit
- up to 8 dogs
- Puppies/kittens
- 12 or fewer, no permit
- Above hobby kennel cap
- full kennel use permit
Summary
Unincorporated San Benito County allows up to five adult dogs and nine adult cats without a permit; a hobby kennel permit raises the dog limit to eight.
(2) The following are exempt from the requirement to obtain a conditional use permit: (a) The keeping of five or fewer adult dogs. (b) The keeping of 12 or fewer puppies. (c) The keeping of nine or fewer adult cats. (d) The keeping of 12 or fewer kittens. ... (D) Limit on number of dogs for hobby kennel. A hobby kennel may house up to eight adult dogs and 12 puppies.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
The county zoning code exempts keeping five or fewer adult dogs, 12 or fewer puppies, nine or fewer adult cats, or 12 or fewer kittens from any use permit. Housing more dogs requires a hobby kennel, which may keep up to eight adult dogs and 12 puppies. Exceeding the hobby kennel threshold requires a full kennel use permit under the animal keeping and kennel provisions. These limits apply to unincorporated parcels; Hollister and San Juan Bautista set their own pet limits.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more dogs or cats than these tiers allow without the matching permit is a zoning violation, subject to code enforcement action and required permit application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I keep without a permit in unincorporated San Benito County?
What if I want more than eight dogs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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