Hemet, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Pet limits combine Hemet's zoning code and the adopted county code. The City's FAQ states that under Hemet Municipal Code Sec. 90-77 a resident may keep up to 3 dogs and/or 4 cats over the age of four months, with the types and quantities of other animals determined by zoning and lot size in the Sec. 90-77 matrix. Offspring are not counted toward the maximum until they reach four months (cats, dogs, small animals). Through HMC Sec. 10-1, Hemet also adopts Riverside County Ordinance 630, which defines a Class I Kennel as 5 to 10 dogs (four months or older) and a Cattery as 10 or more cats - so keeping 5 or more dogs triggers a county kennel-permit requirement and zoning review, and large numbers of cats trigger cattery rules. Dogs four months and older must be licensed and rabies-vaccinated under the adopted county ordinance, and the county requires unaltered cats over four months to be spayed/neutered (with exceptions). Residential properties in planned communities or with HOAs may face stricter limits set by CC&Rs. Commercial breeding or keeping in residential zones requires a conditional use permit under Sec. 90-77(f).