San Mateo County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Pet numbers in unincorporated San Mateo County are tiered through the County Ordinance Code, Title 6. Under Chapter 6.16 (Animal Fanciers Permit), an animal fanciers permit applies to keeping up to a total of ten animals (dogs and/or cats) at one premises (Section 6.16.010); this annual permit is required in addition to individually licensing each animal. Once a household or business keeps more than ten dogs, more than ten cats, or more than ten dogs and cats in any combination per dwelling unit or business establishment, a kennel or cattery permit is required under Chapter 6.20 (Kennels and Catteries), filed with the Planning and Building Department, which lists the maximum number of animals to be kept. PHS/SPCA, the County's contracted animal control provider, notes that it does not itself enforce a numeric pet quantity limit absent suspected cruelty, and advises residents to confirm local limits with their jurisdiction; for the unincorporated County, the operative thresholds are the fancier and kennel/cattery permit tiers in the Ordinance Code. The animal fanciers permit can be revoked if the permittee acts inhumanely or fails to provide animals with proper food, water, exercise, shelter, or veterinary care (Section 6.16.070), tying the permit system to animal welfare. Because Planning and Building rules were reorganized into the Title 8 Development Code in late 2024, confirm current permit procedures with the Department.