Santa Clara County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Dedicated hoarding ordinance
- None; uses limits + nuisance authority
- Dog/cat caps
- 2 dogs, 5 cats (under 5 acres) without permit
- Public nuisance authority
- County Code B31-13
- Inspection authority
- Animal Control Officers (B31-10, B31-11)
- State cruelty law
- Cal. Penal Code 597
- Reporting
- County Animal Services Center, San Martin
Summary
Unincorporated Santa Clara County addresses animal hoarding through its pet and kennel limits and public-nuisance authority under County Code Division B31, backed by California's animal-cruelty law (Penal Code 597), which can apply when overcrowding harms the animals' health and safety.
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (c) of this section or Section 599c, a person who maliciously and intentionally maims, mutilates, tortures, or wounds a living animal, or maliciously and intentionally kills an animal, is guilty of a crime punishable pursuant to subdivision (d). (b) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (a) or (c), a person who overdrives, overloads, drives when overloaded, overworks, tortures, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance, drink, or shelter, cruelly beats, mutilates, or cruelly kills an animal... is, for each offense, guilty of a crime punishable pursuant to subdivision (d).
Full Breakdown
The County has no chapter labeled 'hoarding,' but Division B31 supplies the tools used against it. Section B31-32 (dogs) and Section B31-51 (cats) cap how many animals can be kept without a kennel permit - two dogs and five cats over four months old on parcels under five acres - and Section B31-1 defines private and commercial kennels, so keeping more animals than allowed without a permit is itself a violation. Section B31-13 lets the County declare animal-related conditions a public nuisance, and Animal Control Officers have inspection and enforcement authority under Sections B31-10 and B31-11.
When the number of animals compromises their health and safety through overcrowding, neglect, or failure to provide adequate care, California Penal Code Section 597 (animal cruelty and neglect) applies; misdemeanor convictions can carry up to one year in jail and fines, and felony cruelty up to three years in state prison. Prosecutors must show the person had custody or control and failed to provide necessary care. The County Animal Services Center investigates abuse, neglect, and cruelty reports in unincorporated areas and partners with law enforcement on serious cases. Residents who suspect hoarding can report it to County Animal Services for welfare checks and enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding permitted animal numbers, maintaining a public nuisance, or neglecting animals can lead to County enforcement, impoundment, and permit denial. Cruelty or neglect from overcrowding can be charged under California Penal Code 597 as a misdemeanor or felony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an animal-hoarding ordinance in unincorporated Santa Clara County?
How do I report suspected animal hoarding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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