Santa Barbara, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

The City of Santa Barbara administers animal licensing through its Police Department Animal Control unit under Municipal Code Title 6. Any person who owns or has custody or control of one or more dogs in the City must obtain a license and pay the fee for each dog over four months of age. The City also requires a cat license for each unaltered cat over four months old. License fees are established by resolution of the City Council, and reduced fees apply for spayed or neutered animals upon veterinary proof; licenses are available for six- or twelve-month periods. The City uses PetData's online system for dog license registration and renewals. Rather than operating a full shelter, the City contracts stray sheltering and adoption services to the Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter (5473 Overpass Road, 805-681-5285), where stray animals are held for owner redemption (about 72 hours) before being made available for adoption. The City does not publish a simple numeric cap on the total number of household pets in its general animal regulations; instead, keeping animals is governed by the Title 6 care-and-keeping provisions, kennel licensing for larger numbers, fowl/rabbit limits, and nuisance rules. Owners should license each dog and any unaltered cat, keep current tags, and ensure animals do not become a public nuisance.