Stanislaus County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Research of Stanislaus County's Animal Code (Title 7) did not surface a flat numeric limit such as 'no more than three dogs per home' for the unincorporated area. Instead, the County uses a kennel-license threshold. Chapter 7.24 (Kennels) requires a kennel license before any person may keep, conduct, or operate a dog kennel, cat kennel, pet shop, zoo, animal rental establishment, riding academy, livery stable, boarding stable, pony ride, livestock auction or market, rodeo, pet show, or animal exhibition, for commercial or noncommercial purposes (Section 7.24.010). 'Kennel' is defined in Section 7.08.080 of the Code; the specific number that triggers a kennel was not confirmed from the fetched text, so owners with several dogs should contact Stanislaus Animal Services to confirm whether a kennel license applies. Separately, every dog four months or older must be individually licensed and the license requires a current rabies certificate (Sections 7.20.010 and 7.20.050). Dogs covered by a kennel license may be licensed under that single kennel license rather than individually, except dogs allowed outside the kennel, which must be individually licensed (Section 7.24.020). Zoning may also limit animal numbers depending on district. Call Stanislaus Animal Services at 209-558-PETS to confirm limits for your address.