Does Sacramento, CA have its own pet store rules ordinance?

No. Sacramento, CA does not appear to have a local pet store rules ordinance, California state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Sacramento City Code.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Sacramento

Sacramento, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State law: AB 485 (HSC 122354.5)
Allowed sources: Shelter or rescue
Local rules: Title 5 and Title 17
Recordkeeping: One year minimum

Summary

Sacramento aligns with California Assembly Bill 485 to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores unless sourced from public shelters or qualifying nonprofit rescues, and city zoning rules govern where pet stores may operate.

122354.5.
(a) A pet store shall not adopt out, sell, or offer for sale a dog, cat, or rabbit. This section does not prevent a pet store from providing space to display animals for adoption in accordance with subdivision (b).
(b) (1) A pet store shall not provide space for the display of dogs, cats, or rabbits available for adoption unless the animals are displayed by either a public animal control agency or shelter, or animal rescue group.
(2) Any animal displayed for adoption shall be both sterilized and adoptable for total fees, including, but not limited to, adoption fees, not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).
(3) The pet store displaying dogs, cats, or rabbits pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not receive any fees in connection with the display of dogs, cats, or rabbits.

Source: Sacramento City CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

California AB 485, codified in Health and Safety Code section 122354.5, requires that any dog, cat, or rabbit offered for sale by a pet store come from a public animal control agency, shelter, or qualifying nonprofit rescue. Sacramento enforces the state rule alongside Title 22 and business licensing in Title 5. Pet stores must keep records identifying the source organization for at least one year and post that information on each enclosure. Zoning rules under Title 17 control where retail pet stores may operate, with conditional review near sensitive uses for noise and odor.

Violations & Fines

Violations are enforced as state-level civil penalties with fines per offense, plus local administrative citations, business license review, and nuisance abatement for noise, odor, or sanitation problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Sacramento pet store sell puppies from breeders?

No. California AB 485 limits retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits to animals from public shelters or qualifying rescues. Private breeders may still sell directly from their own premises subject to other rules.

What about online sales delivered to Sacramento?

Online sales by California-licensed pet stores remain subject to AB 485 sourcing rules. Out-of-state shipments may be regulated separately and can implicate Sacramento home occupation and zoning rules.

Sources & Official References

[1]California HSC 122354.5

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All Sacramento rules

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Pet Store Rules in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Sacramento County handle pet store rules.

Elk Grove, CA