Ventura County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered animals
- Dogs, cats, rabbits
- Allowed source
- Shelter, humane society, registered rescue
- Compliance window
- 60 days after notice
- Criminal exposure
- Misdemeanor
Summary
Pet stores in unincorporated Ventura County may sell only dogs, cats, or rabbits sourced from a shelter, humane society, or registered nonprofit rescue.
It shall be unlawful for any person to sell any dog, cat or rabbit in any pet store, retail business or other commercial establishment located in the unincorporated areas of the County, unless the dog, cat or rabbit was obtained from an animal shelter or a humane society located in the County of Ventura or a non-profit rescue and humane organization registered with the Division.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51).
Full Breakdown
County law makes it unlawful to sell any dog, cat or rabbit through a pet store, retail business or other commercial establishment in the unincorporated area unless the animal came from a Ventura County animal shelter, a local humane society, or a nonprofit rescue and humane organization registered with the Animal Services Division. A violator gets a notice of violation quoting Section 4428; failure to stop within 60 days lets the County issue a civil citation, and the sale itself is a misdemeanor.
Violations & Fines
Every violation is a misdemeanor. After a notice of violation, failing to stop selling within 60 days lets an Animal Control Officer issue an administrative citation with a civil penalty under the County's fee schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pet store sell puppies in unincorporated Ventura County?
What's the penalty for violating the pet-store sale ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ventura County
California rules heatmap·Compare Ventura County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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