Lake Forest, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Lake Forest limits how many dogs and cats may be kept at a property without special authorization. Under the city's animal code, an animal permit must be obtained 'in order to keep or maintain at any residence or upon any property four or more dogs required to be licensed or four or more cats, over the age of four months.' The City's own animal services page states this plainly: residents must obtain an Animal Permit from OC Animal Care for properties that keep or maintain more than three cats and/or three dogs. In practice, a household may keep up to three dogs and three cats (over four months old) without a permit; a fourth of either triggers the permit requirement. This mirrors the Orange County Codified Ordinance applied by OC Animal Care, OCCO 4-1-76, which requires a permit for 'four (4) or more licensed dogs or four (4) or more cats, over the age of four (4) months.' The permit process allows OC Animal Care to inspect for adequate care, sanitation and the absence of nuisance before authorizing a larger number of animals. Puppies and kittens under four months are generally not counted toward the limit. Separately, anyone keeping animals at a level amounting to a commercial kennel or cattery must comply with additional licensing and zoning requirements. Residents should apply through OC Animal Care before exceeding the three-dog/three-cat thresholds.