Ontario, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- By-right limit
- 4 or fewer household pets (Sec. 5.03.410.C.1.a(1))
- Density above 4
- 1 pet per 6,000 SF of net lot area (Table 5.03-6)
- Potbellied pigs
- Maximum 1 per lot
- Exotic pets
- Conditional Use Permit required
- Dog license
- Required for all dogs over 4 months old
Summary
Ontario permits the keeping of four or fewer household pets by right in every residential and mixed-use zone (and the AG and MHP zones) in conjunction with a dwelling. Beyond that, the maximum keeping density is one household pet for each 6,000 square feet of net lot area.
(1) Residential Zones. Residential animal keeping is permitted by right within the AR-2 and RE-2 zoning districts in conjunction with a single-family dwelling. Furthermore, the keeping of 4 or fewer household pets is permitted by right within all residential and mixed-use zoning districts, and within the AG and MHP zoning districts, in conjunction with a single-family or multiple-family dwelling. ... (e) Maximum Animal Keeping Densities. Table 5.03-6 ... establishes the maximum number of animals that may be maintained on a lot ... The maximum animal densities are based upon net lot area; however, any portion of a lot used to qualify one animal type shall not be used to qualify another animal type. ... E. Household Pets -- One animal for each 6,000 SF of lot area.
Full Breakdown
a(1), the keeping of 4 or fewer household pets is permitted by right within all residential and mixed-use zoning districts, and within the AG and MHP zoning districts, in conjunction with a single-family or multiple-family dwelling. 03-6 (Maximum Animal Keeping Densities as an Accessory Use) sets the maximum density for Household Pets at one animal for each 6,000 square feet of net lot area, and a portion of the lot used to qualify one animal type cannot be reused to qualify another. 01-1) confirms that '4 or fewer pets' is a permitted use across the residential districts.
Special limits apply to certain animals kept as pets: only one potbellied pig is allowed per lot (Sec. b(3)(c)), and exotic pets require a Conditional Use Permit (Sec. b(2)). All dogs over four months of age must also be licensed with the City, with discounted rates for spayed/neutered animals.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more household pets than the lot area allows, or exceeding the 4-pet by-right threshold without sufficient lot area under Table 5.03-6, is a Development Code violation enforceable by Code Enforcement and the Animal Resource Center. Keeping an unlicensed dog over 4 months old violates OMC Title 6 and incurs late/licensing penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pets can I have in Ontario?
Do I need a license for my dog?
Are there limits on unusual pets?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ontario
California rules heatmap·Compare Ontario to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle pet limits.