Tustin, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Tustin Municipal Code Sec. 4221(a)(1) makes it unlawful to keep on a single parcel "more than three (3) dogs or more than three (3) common house cats, except those under three (3) months of age, or any combination thereof." Puppies and kittens under three months are not counted toward the limit. The City's adopted Orange County code defines a "kennel" as any property where four or more dogs, or four or more cats, over the age of four months are kept for any purpose (TCC Sec. 4206, amending the county definition), excluding veterinary clinics and properties holding an animal permit. As a result, exceeding the household pet limit pushes a property into kennel/animal-permit territory administered by OC Animal Care. Engaging in a kennel operation requires a permit or license from the County (TCC Sec. 4207). Separately, the small-animal cap of ten birds, fowl, rodents, rabbits and similar creatures applies under TCC Sec. 4221(a)(2). All pets remain subject to the nuisance and noise provisions of TCC Sec. 4224, and dogs must be licensed through OC Animal Care at four months of age. Households approaching these limits should contact OC Animal Care about an animal permit before adding more dogs or cats.