San Mateo County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 6.12.040(c)
- Where restricted
- Public streets, sidewalks, parks
- Exempt sellers
- Recognized rescues (e.g., Peninsula Humane Society)
- Required disclosure
- County licensing info to buyers
Summary
Selling or offering cats, dogs or wolf hybrids on a public street, sidewalk or park in unincorporated San Mateo County requires a pet-sales business license under § 6.12.040(c), unless the seller is a recognized rescue.
No person shall offer for sale or adoption any cat, dog, or wolf hybrid on any public street, sidewalk or public park unless such person first obtains a business license to sell pets or is a recognized pet rescue/adoption agency such as Pets in Need and the Peninsula Humane Society.(d)Prior to release for adoption, any animal adopted from any animal welfare agency shall be spayed or neutered as early as is medically appropriate, unless the adoptive owner obtains a certificate from a licensed veterinarian certifying as to the health reasons for failing to alter such animal. (Prior code § 3332.6; Ord. 3344, 11/19/91; Ord. 3653; 5/23/95)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47).
Full Breakdown
Section 6.12.040(c) bars anyone from offering a cat, dog or wolf hybrid for sale or adoption on a public street, sidewalk or public park without first obtaining a business license to sell pets, unless the seller is a recognized pet rescue/adoption agency such as Pets in Need or the Peninsula Humane Society. Sellers and adoption agencies must also disclose County licensing requirements to buyers and provide free pet-care information supplied by Animal Control Services. The code does not ban licensed pet stores from selling animals; it targets unlicensed public-space sales.
Violations & Fines
Offering cats, dogs or wolf hybrids for sale on a public street, sidewalk or park without a pet-sales business license or recognized-rescue status is a Chapter 6.12 infraction, fineable up to $500 for repeat violations (§ 6.12.060).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pet store in unincorporated San Mateo County sell dogs and cats?
Can a rescue group give away kittens at a sidewalk adoption event?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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