Los Angeles County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 10.40.010
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to 6 months jail
- Inspection power
- Warrantless entry if hazardous conditions
- Coverage
- Unincorporated area, plus contract cities
- Related cap
- 4 dogs / 5 cats need a license
Summary
In unincorporated LA County (and contract cities), keeping animals in unsanitary conditions or in a way that becomes a hazard or nuisance violates County Code § 10.40.010: a misdemeanor Animal Care and Control can prosecute, with warrantless entry authority if conditions look dangerous.
A person who owns an animal or who owns or operates an animal facility, must comply with each of the following conditions, the failure of which is a misdemeanor: ... C. Animals must be groomed and kept in a manner that is not injurious to their health. All animal buildings or enclosures must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition to control odors and prevent the spread of disease. ... X. No animal may be allowed to constitute or cause a hazard, or be a menace to the health, peace, or safety of the community.
Full Breakdown
County Code § 10.40.010 binds every animal owner, not just licensed facilities, to keep animals in clean, sanitary enclosures with adequate food, water and shelter, and bars any condition injurious to the animals. Subsection X specifically prohibits allowing an animal to 'constitute or cause a hazard, or be a menace to the health, peace, or safety of the community': the county's hoarding-nuisance hook. Under § 10.12.210, an animal control officer or peace officer may enter and inspect without a warrant if there's reasonable cause the keeping of animals on the property is hazardous, unsafe or dangerous. Owners who also exceed four dogs or five cats without an animal facility license face a separate citation under § 10.20.038.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 10.40.010 is a misdemeanor, punishable under Penal Code § 19 (up to 6 months county jail and/or a $1,000 fine); the Director can also order corrective action, and repeat or unresolved unsanitary conditions can lead to animal seizure under § 10.12.090.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside the City of Los Angeles?
Can inspectors enter a property without a warrant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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