Merced, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

The City of Merced limits household pets by parcel size under Section 6.04.065 ("Maximum number of domestic animals by lot size"). For a single-family dwelling, the number of cats and dogs is capped as follows: lots 6,000 sq ft or greater may keep any combination of dogs and cats not exceeding five each (unless the owner holds a valid kennel or cattery permit); lots from 5,000 to under 6,000 sq ft, up to four each; lots from 4,000 to under 5,000 sq ft, up to three each; lots from 3,000 to under 4,000 sq ft, up to two each; and lots under 3,000 sq ft, a maximum of one dog and one cat. For any multifamily dwelling, the limit is one (1) cat and one (1) dog (Sec. 6.04.065B). Keeping more than five dogs over four months old makes the household a "kennel," and more than five cats over six months old makes it a "cattery" (Sec. 6.04.010U and 6.04.010H), each requiring an annual kennel/cattery permit and appropriate zoning under Section 6.04.270. Every dog over four months must also be licensed (Sec. 6.04.260), with a reduced fee for sterilized dogs. These pet limits apply only to cats and dogs; livestock and poultry are governed separately by Section 6.04.080.