Carson, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Cats/dogs limit
- 3 combined, over 4 months old
- Livestock/fowl
- Not permitted
- Violation classified as
- Infraction
- Governing section
- CMC § 9122.3
Summary
Carson zoning limits any dwelling to three cats and dogs combined, plus small caps on other small animals, and bans livestock and fowl entirely in residential zones.
The occupants of each dwelling unit or group quarters are permitted to keep only the following types of animals, for their personal use only, with the number of animals limited as indicated: Cats and dogs, but not more than a total, in any combination of three (3) such animals over four (4) months of age. Any number of tropical fish (no caribe). Not more than 20 white mice and rats. Not more than a total of three (3) of the following, in any combination:
Canaries Chinchillas Chipmunks Finches Gopher snakes Guinea pigs Hamsters Hawks King snakes Marmoset monkeys Mynah birds
Parrots, parakeets, amazons, cockatiels, cockatoos, lories, lorikeets, lovebirds, macaws, and similar birds of the psittacine family
Pigeons Rabbits Ravens Squirrel monkeys Steppe legal eagles Swans Toucans Turtles White doves
Other similar animals, subject to the same numerical limitations, which are neither more obnoxious nor detrimental to the public welfare than the animals listed, shall be permitted. Large animals or livestock such as horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, hogs and fowl such as chickens, turkeys, peacocks, guineas, geese and ducks, are not permitted. (Interpretation of this provision to be in accordance with CMC § 9172.24.) Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this Section shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be punishable as provided in Chapter 2 of Article I of this Code. (Ord. 79-479 § 6)
Full Breakdown
Carson Municipal Code § 9122.3 caps how many animals a household may keep as an accessory use: no more than three cats and dogs combined (over four months old), up to 20 white mice/rats, unlimited tropical fish, and up to three more animals total from a listed group like rabbits, guinea pigs, or canaries. Livestock and fowl, horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, hogs, chickens, turkeys, peacocks, guineas, geese, and ducks, are not permitted at all. This is a standalone Carson zoning provision distinct from the separate Animal Control Ordinance, under which Carson has adopted the Los Angeles County animal code (Title 10) by reference as it stood on January 5, 1993.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more than three cats/dogs, exceeding the small-animal caps, or keeping any livestock or fowl on a residential lot is a zoning violation; the section makes noncompliance an infraction punishable under Article I, Chapter 2 of the Municipal Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs and cats can I keep in Carson?
Can I keep chickens at my Carson home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carson
California rules heatmap·Compare Carson to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle pet limits.