San Bernardino County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Under 7,200 sq ft
- 2 dogs/cats per parcel
- 7,200-9,999 sq ft
- 3 dogs/cats per parcel
- 10,000-19,999 sq ft
- 4 dogs/cats per parcel
- 20,000+ sq ft
- 5 dogs/cats per parcel
- 5+ dogs/cats
- requires private kennel permit
Summary
Unincorporated San Bernardino County caps dogs and cats combined per parcel by lot size, from two on lots under 7,200 square feet up to five on lots of 20,000 square feet or more.
A combination of dogs and/or cats Less than 7,200 2/parcel or unit 7,200 - 9,999 3/parcel 10,000 - 19,999 4/parcel 20,000 or more 5/parcel(1) ... Five or more dogs and/or cats constitute a private kennel or cattery, which is subject to regulations in § 84.04.060 (Private Kennels and/or Catteries).
Full Breakdown
The Development Code's accessory-animal-keeping table (County Code § 84.04.090, Table 84-5) sets the household pet cap for unincorporated-area parcels: two dogs and/or cats combined on lots under 7,200 square feet, three on lots from 7,200 to 9,999 square feet, four on 10,000 to 19,999 square feet, and five on lots of 20,000 square feet or larger. Multi-family units on lots under 7,200 square feet are limited to two per unit. Keeping five or more dogs and/or cats converts the property into a private kennel or cattery, triggering separate licensing under § 84.04.060. Newborns under four months old, or not yet weaned, don't count toward the cap.
Violations & Fines
Code Enforcement can cite a parcel for exceeding the table's per-lot animal count as a zoning violation. Hitting five or more dogs and/or cats without a private kennel or cattery permit under § 84.04.060 adds a separate Health Department permitting violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this limit apply in San Bernardino, Ontario, or other cities in the county?
What happens if I keep more animals than the table allows?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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