Indio, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential pet cap
- 4 dogs/cats combined
- Class I Kennel threshold
- 5-10 dogs, license required
- Class II Kennel threshold
- 11+ dogs, license required
- Cattery threshold
- 5+ cats, license required
- Governing code
- UDC § 4.04.02; Muni Code § 92.06
Summary
Indio caps dogs and cats at four per household in residential zones; keeping five or more triggers Riverside County kennel or cattery licensing requirements.
Domestic animals are allowed in all zones where residential uses are allowed subject to the following standards:
1. Up to four dogs or cats or a combination, over four months of age.
2. An unlimited number of small birds, fish, or nonpoisonous reptiles, provided they do not become a public nuisance due to odors, noise, or public health considerations.
3. Up to four domesticated rodents, provided they do not become a public nuisance due to odors, noise, or public health considerations.
C. The number of large and small livestock in residential zones is established in Table 4.04.02-1 (Number of Animals Permitted by Lot Area). Refer to Table 2.02.02-1 (Allowed Uses — Residential Zones) to determine in what residential zones large and small livestock may be kept: TABLE 4.04.02-1: NUMBER OF ANIMALS PERMITTED BY LOT AREA Type of Animal Maximum Number of Animals Permitted per Lot Size 8,000 sq. ft. — 12,999 sq. ft. 13,000 sq. ft. — 19,999 sq. ft. 20,000 sq. ft. — 43,559 sq. ft. 43,560 sq. ft. — 87,119 sq. ft. > 87,120 sq. ft. "ft" = Feet and "sf" = Square Feet Equine and Large Livestock Cattle, Swine, Llamas, Alpacas, Goats, Sheep, and Other Livestock Not Prohibited By This Chapter
0 0 21 41 Max. 5 Horses, Mules, and Donkeys 0 0 2 4 Max. 4 per acre Small Livestock and Poultry Goats (miniature, pygmy, dwarf) 2 2 4 8 Max. 10 Poultry and Rabbits 5 10 15 20 Max. 25
End Note:
1. Max. 1 animal per 20,000 square feet gross lot area.
1.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4796010; v13 updated 2026-02-04; through 02-04-2026).
Full Breakdown
UDC § 4.04.02(B)(1) limits residential properties in the City of Indio, Riverside County, California to four dogs or cats (or a combination) over four months of age. The general animal-control code, adopted from Riverside County and amended by the city at Indio Municipal Code § 92.06, backs this up: any premises keeping five to 10 dogs becomes a Class I Kennel, 11 or more a Class II Kennel, and five or more cats a Cattery, all of which require a mandatory license under § 92.07 and inspection by the county's Department of Animal Services. Offspring not yet weaned don't count toward the four-animal cap. Together the two provisions function as Indio's practical ceiling on residential animal accumulation.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more than four dogs or cats in a residential zone without a Class I/II kennel or cattery license under §§ 92.06-92.07 violates city code and can trigger Animal Services enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pets can I legally keep at my Indio home?
Does a large litter of puppies put me over the limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indio
California rules heatmap·Compare Indio to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle pet limits.