Fremont, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (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.
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
40 (Animal Fancier's Permits). 20. 010, allows up to four dogs, seven cats, or a combination not exceeding seven animals total with no more than four dogs. 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?
Can I get a permit to keep more pets than Fremont's normal limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fremont
California rules heatmap·Compare Fremont to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle pet limits.