Contra Costa County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Chapter 416-6 (Individual Licenses) of Division 416 of the County Ordinance Code governs pet limits. In unincorporated areas zoned for uses other than agriculture, the ordinance limits a single dwelling or business unit to three dogs and five cats over six months of age before a multiple pet license is required. A separate kennel license is required for more than twenty dogs or twenty cats, or for any commercial dog or cat operation. Applications must list every dog included, include current rabies certificates from an authorized veterinarian, and must show the animals are not subjected to neglect, cruelty, or abuse and that the applicant has not had a license revoked or been convicted of an animal-law violation within one year. All dogs maintained under a multiple pet license must be confined on the premises and enclosed in a secure shelter during hours of darkness, except when shown, exercised, hunted, worked, or trained under owner control. Individual dog licensing is also required under § 416-6.002 for any dog over four months in unincorporated Contra Costa County.