El Cerrito, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Under Contra Costa County Ordinance Code Chapter 416, residential parcels in unincorporated areas can typically house up to 4 dogs over 4 months of age and 4 cats without a kennel permit. Exceeding these limits triggers a kennel-permit requirement, which requires appropriate zoning (usually agricultural or specific conditional-use permits in residential zones), adequate kennel facilities, sanitation, and noise controls. Commercial breeding, boarding, and rescue operations also require kennel permits and business licensing. Home-based 'hobby kennels' for hunting-dog owners or small-scale breeders are sometimes available as a lower-tier permit. Foster homes working with registered 501(c)(3) rescue organizations may be exempt from the numerical limit if they maintain compliant conditions. Excess animals kept without a kennel permit can lead to citation and impoundment. Cat hoarding cases are commonly triggered by Environmental Health referrals for unsanitary conditions. Service and emotional-support animals under ADA/FHA are not counted against pet limits. HOAs may impose stricter pet limits than county code and enforce them privately.