Santa Cruz, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max domestic animals/lot
- 6 (SCMC 24.12.620)
- Max dogs
- 3 per lot
- Unspayed female dogs
- 1 (SCMC 8.14.130 / 24.12.620)
- Enclosure setback
- 25 ft from other dwellings (24.12.620)
Summary
Santa Cruz zoning code (SCMC 24.12.620) allows a maximum of six domestic animals on any residential lot, of which no more than three may be dogs and no more than one may be an unspayed female dog. SCMC 8.14.130 separately bars keeping more than one unspayed female dog per residence.
In any R-District, or in conjunction with any residential uses in any other district, there may be kept on any lot a total of not more than six domestic animals as defined in this title, not more than three of which may be dogs, and not more than one of which may be an unspayed female dog.
Full Breakdown
' These animals (except cats) must be confined within a suitable enclosure or under the owner's control, kept clean and odor-free, and no enclosure may sit closer than 25 feet to a dwelling other than the owner's. 130 reinforces this by making it unlawful for anyone other than a licensed veterinarian or kennel operator to keep more than one unspayed female dog at one residence. 700. 630.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the limits is a zoning violation enforced by Code Compliance as an infraction (SCMC 4.04.010), with administrative citations available under SCMC Chapter 4.14; the city's Code Compliance division notes 'too many dogs' as a common animal-related violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I have in the City of Santa Cruz?
Do I need to license my dog?
How many total pets can I keep?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Cruz
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Cruz to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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