SJMC section 6.04.075 caps San Jose households at four dogs and six cats over four months old. Litters and short-term fosters can be exempt under specified conditions. Animal Care and Services issues kennel permits for households exceeding the cap, subject to zoning and welfare standards.
SJMC section 6.04.075 limits the number of adult dogs and cats kept at a single residence in San Jose: generally four dogs and six cats over four months old. Younger litters, short-term fosters from registered rescue groups, and licensed kennels are addressed separately. Households that exceed the cap must apply for a kennel permit through Animal Care and Services and meet sanitation, noise, and welfare standards. Zoning under Title 20 also constrains kennels in residential districts. Multi-family buildings and HOAs often impose stricter caps, and tenants should check leases before adding pets.
Exceeding the dog or cat cap without a kennel permit can bring administrative citations, fines that rise per animal, and orders to reduce the count. Persistent overage may trigger nuisance abatement and animal welfare investigations.
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