Perris, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Dog limit
- 4 dogs per residence/parcel
- Cat limit
- 4 cats per residence/parcel
- Grace period
- 30 days before limit applies
- Kennel threshold
- 5+ dogs requires kennel permit
- First-offense fine
- up to $50
- Appeal window
- 10 days to appeal citation
Summary
Perris caps every private residence or parcel at four dogs and four cats, each four months or older, unless the property holds a permitted kennel or cattery. The limit applies after 30 days of continuous keeping, so a short visit by a friend's pet doesn't count. Exceeding it without a kennel permit is a citable infraction enforced by the Animal Services Division.
Unless permitted as a kennel it is unlawful for any person to keep within the city, in any private residence or on any other parcel, for a period longer than 30 days, more than: (1)Any four dogs, four months of age or older; and(2)Any four cats, four months of age or older.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
040 sets the household pet cap: no more than four dogs and four cats, each four months of age or older, may be kept on any private residence or parcel for longer than 30 days unless the property is permitted as a kennel. 010), and a cattery as premises housing four or more cats, four months or older. A resident who wants a fifth dog or a cattery-scale cat household must obtain the applicable kennel or cattery permit before exceeding the residential cap. 080 grandfathers any legally owned animal or animal type in place at adoption as a legal nonconforming use, so long as the owner can show the animals were lawfully kept before the chapter passed.
A grandfathered animal may be replaced with the same type within 90 days of its death without losing the exemption, but once an animal is off the property more than 90 days the grandfathered right is extinguished. 060. The 30-day threshold means visiting or fostered animals aren't counted against the cap unless kept past that window.
Violations & Fines
A violation of the pet limit is an infraction under § 8.02.270: fines run up to $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second violation within one year, and $250 for each additional violation in that year, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. Citation recipients can clear the matter within ten days by showing compliance and paying a $60 administrative fee to the Animal Services Division instead of going to court; administrative citations issued under § 8.02.280 can be appealed in writing within ten days of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep five dogs in Perris if I get a permit?
What happens if I already owned six cats before the ordinance passed?
Does a foster or visiting pet count toward the four-dog limit?
What's the fine for keeping too many pets?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Perris
California rules heatmap·Compare Perris to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle pet limits.