Rio Rancho, NM Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Section 90.20 of the Rio Rancho Municipal Code sets the household animal limit. Except as otherwise provided, no household or business other than a properly licensed business may own or harbor more than five dogs, cats, pygmy goats, or rabbits in any combination that are more than six months of age. All other animals allowed under Chapters 90 and 116 are excluded from this five-animal count, provided they do not create a nuisance or otherwise endanger public health, safety, and welfare; this is why chickens, for example, are governed by their own count in Section 90.29 rather than the five-animal cap. Section 90.20(B) provides that an owner who intentionally or unintentionally breeds dogs, cats, guinea pigs, chinchillas, sugar gliders, or rabbits without a current hobby breeder's permit will be cited and fined $100 for each litter, and any future breeding requires a hobby breeder's permit. A 'show breeder' who registers with RRARC (by showing AKC event registration in the past three years) is exempt from the five-animal limit but is capped at twelve animals. The code also restricts where and how animals may be adopted, sold, or given away and bars transferring puppies and kittens under eight weeks of age.