Manteca, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Dog limit
- 3 per household
- Cat limit
- 3 per household
- Minimum age counted
- Over 4 months old
- Grandfather condition
- Animals must stay licensed
- Exception
- Licensed kennels, § 6.08.150
Summary
Manteca caps most households at three dogs and three cats over four months old, with owners who already exceeded that limit grandfathered in only if their animals stay currently licensed.
It is unlawful for any person to keep or harbor more than three dogs and three cats which are over the age of four months on any lot, premises, dwelling, building, structure, boat or living accommodation, except as provided for in Section 6.08.150. Owners who have more than the stated number of dogs (three) and cats (three) as of the passing of the ordinance codified in this section are exempt for those animals only as long as they are currently licensed with the city of Manteca.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4829770; v11 updated 2026-04-21).
Full Breakdown
Section 6.04.061 makes it unlawful to keep or harbor more than three dogs and three cats over four months old on any lot, dwelling, or living accommodation, subject to the kennel exception in § 6.08.150. Owners who already had more than three dogs or three cats when the ordinance took effect are grandfathered for those specific animals, but only as long as each animal stays currently licensed with the city. Households acquiring additional pets after the ordinance took effect are held to the flat three-and-three cap without exception.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more than three dogs or three cats without qualifying for the grandfather exception, or without a kennel permit under § 6.08.150, is a title violation that can trigger nuisance abatement action by the city attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I legally own in Manteca?
I already had five cats before the limit passed: do I have to give any up?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manteca
California rules heatmap·Compare Manteca to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Joaquin County handle pet limits.