Richmond residential properties may keep up to 4 dogs and 4 cats per household without a kennel permit. Households with more than this limit may require a kennel or multiple-animal permit through Contra Costa County Animal Services. Cats must be spayed/neutered if outdoor-access per county ordinance.
Richmond limits household pet numbers to balance animal welfare, sanitation, and neighbor impacts. Under Contra Costa County Code and Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 6.04, a typical residence may house up to 4 dogs over 4 months of age and up to 4 cats over 4 months of age without additional permits. Younger animals (puppies, kittens) are generally not counted toward the limit until weaned and licensable. Households exceeding these limits must apply for a kennel permit (for dogs) or multi-cat household permit through Contra Costa County Animal Services, which involves a facilities inspection, neighbor notification, and annual fees. Cat hoarding and accumulation cases are addressed through animal welfare and code enforcement. The county operates a low-cost spay/neuter program, and outdoor cats are subject to mandatory spay/neuter under CCC ordinance §416-6 to control feral populations. Small caged animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds) are not typically counted toward dog/cat limits.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Contra Costa County.
See how other cities in Contra Costa County handle pet limits.
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