Rio Rancho, NM Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Household cap
- 5 dogs/cats/pygmy goats/rabbits combined
- Age threshold
- Applies once animal is over 6 months
- Show breeder exemption
- Up to 12 animals with AKC registration
- Enforcing agency
- Rio Rancho Animal Resource Center (RRARC)
- Unpermitted breeding fine
- $100 per litter
Summary
Rio Rancho city code caps most households at five dogs, cats, pygmy goats, or rabbits combined once they're over six months old, with narrow permit-based exceptions.
Except as otherwise provided, no household or business other than properly licensed businesses may own or harbor more than five dogs, cats, pygmy goats, or rabbits in any combination more than six months in age.
(2) Except for dogs, cats, pygmy goats, and rabbits, all other animals allowed under Chapters 90 and 116 shall be excluded from the limit in subsection (A)(1) of this section, provided these animals do not create a nuisance as applied or otherwise endanger the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the city.
(B) Any owner who intentionally or unintentionally breeds dogs, cats, guinea pigs, chinchillas, sugar gliders or rabbits and who does not have a current hobby breeder’s permit shall be cited by the RRARC and shall be subject to a fine of $100 for each litter. Any future breeding of that animal or any animal will require a hobby breeder’s permit. Owners of dogs and cats who intend to breed must be in compliance with Section 90.19 to be eligible to apply for a hobby breeder permit.
(C) No person or unregistered animal organization shall adopt, sell, give away or transfer ownership of an animal in the parking lot of or areas adjacent to any place of business, on a public roadway, or right-of-way.
(D) Registered animal organizations may adopt animals on the property owned by a business if the following conditions are met:
(1) The animal organization has registered with RRARC.
(2)
Full Breakdown
Rio Rancho City Code § 90.20(A)(1) limits any household or unlicensed business in this Sandoval County, New Mexico city to five dogs, cats, pygmy goats, or rabbits combined, once the animals are over six months old. Other animals permitted under Chapters 90 and 116 don't count toward the cap unless they become a nuisance. Owners who breed without a hobby breeder's permit face a $100-per-litter fine from the Rio Rancho Animal Resource Center (RRARC). AKC-registered show breeders can register for an exemption raising their limit to 12 animals for one year.
Violations & Fines
Rio Rancho City Code § 90.99(B): $35 minimum for a first offense, rising to $75, then $125, then $250-$500 plus up to 90 days in jail for a fourth offense; courts may also order animal seizure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rio Rancho's 5-animal limit include puppies or kittens?
Can a Rio Rancho household ever keep more than 5 pets?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rio Rancho
Compare Rio Rancho to another location·View the New Mexico animal ordinances overview
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