Riverside zoning generally limits households to a combined total of dogs and cats before kennel permits are required. Larger numbers require a kennel or cattery permit, neighbor notice, and zoning compliance.
RMC Title 19 and Chapter 6 cap most residential parcels at four dogs and four cats over four months without an additional permit. Households exceeding the cap need a kennel or cattery permit, which requires lot-size minimums, setback compliance, and adequate sanitation. Multi-family residences face stricter caps set by HOA or landlord rules. Permits trigger neighbor notification, an inspection by Animal Services, and annual renewal fees. Foster homes for licensed rescues may receive case-by-case waivers. Animals counted include altered and unaltered companion pets housed on the parcel.
Exceeding the cap without a kennel permit is an infraction with escalating fines and may trigger zoning enforcement and forced rehoming of excess animals.
Riverside, CA
California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 prohibits local governments from declaring any dog breed 'vicious' solely by breed. Riverside does not ban any bre...
Riverside, CA
Riverside requires most dogs and cats over four months old to be spayed or neutered, with exceptions for licensed breeders, show animals, and medical waivers...
See how other cities in Riverside County handle pet limits.
See how Riverside's pet limits rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.