Ventura, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Pet limits in the unincorporated County come from the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance, administered by the County Planning Division, rather than a simple 'X dogs and Y cats' rule. Under Section 8107-2.4, dogs and cats are treated as 'pet animals,' assigned unit factors, with the allowed number calculated based on the parcel's zone and lot size - Section 8107-2.4.5 covers calculating the allowed number of pet animals, and Section 8107-2.4.6 covers keeping of additional pet animals beyond the by-right number, which generally requires a permit. Larger lots support more pet animals than small residential parcels. Separately, Ventura County Animal Services enforces nuisance rules under Section 4467 of the Ordinance Code: any animal kept in a way that disturbs neighbors - including through excessive numbers, odor, or noise - can be declared a public nuisance, and a citation may be issued under Section 4467-12 if the owner does not voluntarily come into compliance (typically given seven days to do so). All dogs over four months old must also be licensed under Section 4411 and spayed or neutered under Sections 4421-3 and 4421-4 unless an exemption applies. Because the by-right number of pets is parcel-specific, residents who want several dogs or cats should verify their allowance with the Planning Division and apply for an additional-pet-animal permit if needed.