Sonoma County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

The Permit Sonoma FAQ on Agriculture/Animals/Trees and Chapter 5, Article VII (Kennels, Pet Fanciers and Pet Shops) of the Sonoma County Animal Regulation Ordinance set the limits. No permits are required to keep up to 4 dogs and/or 4 cats. A 'commercial kennel' is defined as any lot or premises on which five or more dogs and/or five or more cats over four months of age are kept by the owner or occupant for commercial purposes, including boarding, breeding, buying, selling, renting, exhibiting, or training - permitted only in commercial and agricultural zoning districts with a Use Permit plus a license from the Animal Regulation Division. A 'pet fancier facility' for personal, noncommercial purposes is the category for five through ten dogs and/or five through ten cats over four months, and must be located on a lot of at least one acre. Permit Sonoma also notes that 5+ dogs/cats for personal use in agricultural or rural residential zones requires a license from the Health Department's Animal Services Division. Application requirements under § 5-71 include identification of each animal, current rabies vaccinations, and a showing that the applicant is qualified and the facility is suitable.