Fresno, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Pet-limit code
- FMC 15-2707
- Lots under 36,000 sq ft
- Max 4 dogs/cats (combined) over 4 months old
- Lots over 36,000 sq ft
- Max 6 dogs/cats (combined)
- Dog license required
- All dogs over 4 months old (FMC 10-303, 10-305)
- Spay/neuter required
- Dogs over 5 months unless breeding license (FMC 10-328)
Summary
Under Fresno Municipal Code section 15-2707, residential properties smaller than 36,000 square feet may keep no more than 4 animals (any combination of dogs and cats over 4 months old); properties larger than 36,000 square feet may keep no more than 6.
All dogs over the age of 4 months must be licensed and vaccinated. FMC 10-303, 305. Violations are an infraction. All dogs over the age of 5 months must be spayed or neutered, unless the owner has a breeding license. (FMC 10-328). There are additional regulations concerning keeping and transfer of dogs that are bred. For all residential properties less than 36,000 square feet, no more than 4 animals (over 36,000 square feet, no more than 6), combination of dogs and cats, over the age of 4 months, may be kept. FMC 15-2707.
Full Breakdown
The number of household pets allowed in Fresno is set by the city's zoning code. As stated by the Fresno City Attorney's Office, 'For all residential properties less than 36,000 square feet, no more than 4 animals (over 36,000 square feet, no more than 6), combination of dogs and cats, over the age of 4 months, may be kept. FMC 15-2707.' All dogs over four months old must additionally be licensed and vaccinated (FMC 10-303, 305), and all dogs over five months old must be spayed or neutered unless the owner holds a breeding license (FMC 10-328). Keeping more animals than the zoning limit, or operating a dog kennel, requires separate licensing under FMC 10-306. Dog and cat licensing in Fresno is administered through the Central California SPCA.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more than the permitted number of dogs and cats violates FMC 15-2707 and is enforceable by the City. Violations of the Fresno Municipal Code charged as infractions carry fines up to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within one year, and $500 for each additional violation within one year (FMC 1-304(c)); alternatively the City may issue an Administrative Citation ($250 first, $500 second, $1,000 each thereafter under the Master Fee Schedule). Failure to license a dog over four months old is a separate infraction (FMC 10-303).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs and cats can I have in Fresno?
Do I need to license my dog in Fresno?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno
California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fresno County handle pet limits.