Palmdale, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Dog limit (ER/LDR/SFR zones)
- Max 4 dogs
- Cat limit (ER/LDR/SFR zones)
- Max 5 cats
- Limit in other residential/mixed-use zones
- 2 dogs, 2 cats
- Governing section
- PMC § 17.89.030, Table 17.89.030-1
- Over-limit requirement
- Animal facility license or § 17.26.070 clearance
- Service dog exemption
- Not counted, per § 6.04.080(A)
Summary
Palmdale caps the number of dogs and cats a household may keep without a special license. PMC § 17.89.030 allows up to four dogs and five cats on standard residential lots, but only two of each in denser residential and mixed-use zones, unless the owner obtains an animal facility license.
(1) The allowable number of animals shall be limited as outlined within the following table: Table 17.89.030-1. Allowed Number Animals ... Domesticated Animals2 [columns:] ER, LDR, SFR 1, SFR 2, and SFR 3 Zones1 / All Other Residential and Mixed-Use Zones. Cats: 5 / 2. Dogs: 4 / 2. ... Notes: 1. Properties within the RN 1 zone with a lot size of 7,000 sf or greater may have an allowable number of dogs and cats consistent with the ER/LDR/SFR 1/SFR 2/SFR 3 standards. 2. Refers to number of adult animals.
Full Breakdown
89 (Animal Keeping) sets Palmdale's numeric ceiling on household pets. In the ER, LDR, SFR 1, SFR 2 and SFR 3 zones, a residence may keep up to five cats and four dogs; in all other residential and mixed-use zones the limit drops to two cats and two dogs. A footnote extends the higher ER/LDR/SFR standard to RN-1 zoned lots of 7,000 square feet or more. The table counts adult animals only. 89 limit allows at any residence without an animal facility license, and each dog and cat must be individually licensed with the City regardless of the household total.
090 for a person disabled within the meaning of Government Code § 12926(i) or (j) does not count toward the household dog limit. 16, is prohibited outright regardless of the pet count. The same chapter separately caps other household animals, including a maximum of one Vietnamese pot-bellied pig per dwelling unit and one beehive for every 4,000 square feet of lot area.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more dogs or cats than Table 17.89.030-1 allows without an animal facility license is unlawful under PMC § 6.04.080 and is enforced as a violation of the adopted animal control ordinance, punishable under PMC Chapter 1.12 per § 6.04.040. Code enforcement or LA County Animal Care and Control staff can act on a complaint, and an owner over the limit must either reduce the number of animals or obtain an additional-animals clearance under § 17.26.070 to keep the excess pets lawfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I keep in Palmdale?
How many cats can I keep?
Do service dogs count toward the limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palmdale
California rules heatmap·Compare Palmdale to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle pet limits.