Whittier, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Whittier sets its pet limits through Whittier Municipal Code Section 6.04.050, which specifically amends LA County Code Section 10.20.038 as adopted. As amended for the city: "Up to three dogs may be kept at any residence without an animal facility license, provided the dogs' owner or custodian licenses each individual dog," and "Up to five cats may be kept at any residence without an animal facility license, provided the cats' owner keeps all cats primarily indoors." A licensed service dog is not counted toward the dog total while it serves a disabled person. Dogs over four months must be individually licensed (Whittier MC 6.04.050 amending LA County 10.20.030); cats are not required to be licensed within Whittier city limits per the city's Animal Control information. Separately, the City of Whittier's zoning code (cited by the city as Section 18.10.020(A)) limits single-family residences to a combined maximum of three dogs and/or cats per household and multifamily units to two dogs and/or cats per unit. Where the two frameworks differ, the stricter combined zoning cap can govern occupancy, so residents should treat three total dogs/cats per single-family home as the practical ceiling and confirm with the city.