Yolo County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Numeric Household Cap
- None set by Title 6
- Dog License Required
- Annually (§ 6-1.601)
- Kennel License Required
- By February 15 each year (§ 6-1.701)
- Compliance Window
- 30 days after acquisition or new residency
Summary
Yolo County Title 6 does not set a numeric household limit on dogs or cats, but anyone operating a kennel must obtain an annual kennel license under § 6-1.701, and the kennel use itself must comply with Title 8 zoning. State Health and Safety Code requirements for rabies vaccination also apply.
Every owner of a dog required to be licensed shall procure an annual license for such dog in accordance with the procedure set forth in this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Supplement 2026 S-21 includes: Local legislation current through Ord. 1584, effective June 25, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Yolo County Code § 6-1.701 (Kennel licenses) requires every person owning or controlling a kennel to procure an annual kennel license on or before February 15 each year; the kennel license functions as the license for all dogs kept in the kennel. Dog licensing is separately governed by Article 6: § 6-1.601 makes annual licensing mandatory for every dog owner in the unincorporated county, and Animal Services administers the program through DocuPet (ycas.docupet.com). The county code itself does not impose a flat numeric cap on dogs or cats kept as pets in a household; instead, where the number of animals grows commercial in scale (boarding, breeding, sale) it triggers the kennel license requirement and Title 8 zoning review of the residential or agricultural parcel. New residents must comply with the dog licensing ordinance within 30 days of taking up residency in Yolo County.
Violations & Fines
Unlicensed dogs are subject to seizure and impound under § 6-1.406, and operating an unlicensed kennel is a separate violation enforceable by Animal Services. Failure to license a dog after 30 days of acquisition or residency may be cited as a misdemeanor under the general penalty provisions of Title 6 Chapter 1, and license-fee penalties for late renewal apply per the Board's annual fee schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a maximum number of dogs I can keep at home in unincorporated Yolo County?
When do I have to license my dog?
What if I run a hobby breeding operation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yolo County
California rules heatmap·Compare Yolo County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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