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

Sutter County sets pet numbers through its Zoning Code rather than a separate licensing cap. In the Estate Residential (ER) and R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 districts, up to any total combination of four dogs, cats, or other similar and common household pets is allowed per lot. The local animal agency similarly describes a general maximum of four dogs four months or older per lot, while noting that limits can vary by zoning. Separately, the Zoning Code allows the keeping of chicken hens, rabbits, guinea pigs, or similar small animals up to a combined total of 12, excluding offspring up to six months of age. The Ranchette (RAN) district is noted as having no household-pet number limitation, consistent with its rural purpose, and agriculturally zoned parcels follow the broader animal-husbandry rules instead. Only dogs are required to be licensed in Sutter County; cats are not licensed, though they still count toward the household-pet total. All animals must be effectively contained on the property and enclosures kept clean. Because the applicable limit depends on a parcel's zoning district and any overlay, residents should confirm their district with Sutter County Development Services. Relevant provisions appear in Zoning Code Sections 1500-06-030 and 1500-8016.