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Fremont, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
FMC § 6.10.010
Base limit
2 dogs, 4 cats, or 2 dogs + 3 cats
With fancier's permit
Up to 4 dogs or 7 cats
Zoning applicability
Residential-zoned property

Summary

Fremont caps residential households at two dogs, four cats, or a combination not exceeding two dogs and three cats, without a permit. Owners wanting more can apply for an animal fancier's permit allowing up to four dogs or seven cats.

On real property zoned residential, a pet owner may keep up to two dogs, four cats, or a combination of such animals not to exceed two dogs and three cats, unless a permit is obtained under Chapter 6.40. City of Fremont pet license(s) are issued on the basis that pet owners are aware of the city's animal limitations.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 02-2026, passed May 5, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Fremont Municipal Code Section 6.10.010 provides that on real property zoned residential, a pet owner may keep up to two dogs, four cats, or a combination of such animals not to exceed two dogs and three cats, unless a permit is obtained under Chapter 6.40 (Animal Fancier's Permits). The code notes that city of Fremont pet licenses are issued on the basis that owners are aware of these animal limitations, tying the numeric cap directly to the separate dog and cat licensing scheme in Chapter 6.20.

For owners who want to exceed the base limit, Section 6.40's animal fancier permit process, referenced at Section 6.10.010, allows up to four dogs, seven cats, or a combination not exceeding seven animals total with no more than four dogs. Related sections in the same chapter address other animals kept alongside dogs and cats: Section 6.10.020 caps small animals at six per household absent a Chapter 6.40 permit, and Section 6.10.050 requires that any offspring born in excess of the allowed number be removed no later than four weeks after weaning.

Violations & Fines

Keeping more dogs or cats than Section 6.10.010 allows without an animal fancier's permit under Chapter 6.40 is a violation of Title 6, enforceable by the city's animal control enforcement authority under Section 6.05.020, which can result in a code enforcement citation and an order to reduce the number of animals to the legal limit, with newly-weaned excess offspring required to be removed within four weeks under Section 6.10.050(a).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dogs or cats can I own in Fremont without a permit?
Up to two dogs, four cats, or a combination not exceeding two dogs and three cats on residentially zoned property, per FMC Section 6.10.010, unless you obtain an animal fancier's permit under Chapter 6.40.
Can I get a permit to keep more pets than Fremont's normal limit?
Yes. Section 6.10.010 allows an animal fancier's permit under Chapter 6.40 to authorize up to four dogs or seven cats, or a combination totaling seven animals with no more than four dogs.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fremont

All Fremont rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Fremont to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview

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