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San Francisco, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing law
Police Code Sec. 1C.2
Allowed sources
Shelters and rescue organizations only
Minimum age
8 weeks old
First offense fine
Up to $100
Enforcement
Animal Care and Control Dept.

Summary

San Francisco pet shops may only offer dogs and cats sourced from an animal care facility or rescue organization, not commercial breeders.

A Pet Shop shall not Offer for Sale a Dog or Cat unless the Pet Shop has obtained the Dog or Cat from or displays the Dog or Cat in cooperation with: (A) An Animal Care Facility; or (B) An Animal Rescue Organization. (2) A Pet Shop shall not Offer for Sale a Dog or Cat that is younger than eight weeks old.

Source: SF Animal Care and ControlView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Police Code Sec. 1C.2 bars any Pet Shop from offering a dog or cat for sale unless it was obtained from, or is displayed in cooperation with, an Animal Care Facility or an Animal Rescue Organization, and bans sale of any dog or cat under eight weeks old. Pet shops must keep source records for one year and post a sign on each animal's cage naming the shelter or rescue it came from. Enforced by Animal Care and Control with Police Department support.

Violations & Fines

Infraction: up to $100 first offense, $200 second offense within a year, up to $500 for each additional violation; each animal or recordkeeping/sign lapse is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a San Francisco pet store sell a puppy from a breeder?
No. Pet shops may only offer dogs or cats obtained from an Animal Care Facility or Animal Rescue Organization, not from breeders or brokers.
What is the penalty for violating the pet shop sale rule?
An infraction with fines up to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within a year, and up to $500 for further violations, per animal.

Sources & Official References

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All San Francisco rules

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