Perris, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Perris caps household pet numbers under Section 8.02.040 (Limit on number of dogs and cats), which states that unless the property is permitted as a kennel it is unlawful to keep, for more than 30 days, more than four dogs four months of age or older and more than four cats four months of age or older. The four-month age threshold means young litters do not immediately count. Crossing these thresholds moves an owner into a regulated category: Section 8.01.010 defines a 'dog kennel' as any premises with five or more dogs four months or older, and a 'cattery' as any premises with four or more cats four months or older, both of which are 'animal establishments' subject to permitting rather than ordinary residential keeping. Small caged pets such as rabbits, birds and turtles are governed separately under the small-animal/fowl provisions of Section 8.01.090 (a collective total of five) and the keeping-near-residences rule in Section 8.01.290. All animals must be licensed where required — dogs must be licensed and rabies-vaccinated under Section 8.02.010 — and dogs and cats over four months must be microchipped under Section 8.02.190 and, if over 12 months, spayed or neutered under Section 8.02.100 unless an exemption or unaltered-dog license applies. Animal control for Perris is handled by the city's own Animal Control Division, with sheltering at the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter.