Mariposa County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Mariposa County does not set a low household cap on ordinary pet ownership, reflecting its rural character, but it does regulate large numbers of dogs. On September 3, 2025, the Board of Supervisors voted to amend the county's Animal Control ordinances, including a new Multiple Pet Permit at Section 6.08.265. As described by the county, a Multiple Pet Permit is required to keep more than ten dogs over six months of age in a single dwelling or business. The permit is free and valid for one year, with reasonable inspections and renewals, giving Animal Control Officers an opportunity to educate owners on care, licensing and vaccination. Several categories are exempt from the permit requirement: licensed boarding facilities, veterinary clinics, 501(c)(3) rescue and adoption organizations, and agricultural producers who are actively managing livestock for production. The county code separately requires every dog over four months of age to be licensed (Section 6.08.020) and to wear a collar with a current license tag (Section 6.08.160), so a household with multiple dogs must license each one regardless of the permit threshold. The 10-dog threshold applies to dogs; the county did not publish an equivalent numeric limit for cats. Property owners should also remember that the underlying zoning nuisance standard can apply if a large number of animals affects neighbors.