Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Merced County

Merced County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
Zoning Code § 18.14.040(A)(5)
Sourcing rule
Dogs/cats/rabbits must come from shelter or rescue
State law basis
AB 485 statewide pet store sourcing law
Applies to
Unincorporated area only, not incorporated cities
Infraction fine
Up to $100/$200/$500 per Section 18.154.070
Misdemeanor fine
Up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment
Enforcement
Zoning Code Compliance Officer under Chapter 18.154

Summary

Merced County bars pet stores in the unincorporated area from selling a live dog, cat, or rabbit unless the animal came from a public animal control agency, an SPCA, a humane society, or a rescue group under a cooperative agreement with a shelter, mirroring the statewide AB 485 sourcing law. Pet stores cannot source animals from commercial breeders for retail sale.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Merced County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A pet store operator shall not sell a live dog, cat, or rabbit in a pet store unless the dog, cat, or rabbit was obtained from a public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group that is in a cooperative agreement with at least one private or public shelter pursuant to Assembly Bill 485 (AB485).

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4930839; v8 updated 2026-06-02).

Full Breakdown

" The county adopted this language as part of the 2019 zoning code rewrite (Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019) and amended the commercial zone chapter again the following year (Ord. 1990 § 1, 2020). The rule tracks the statewide retail pet sale law that took effect January 1, 2019, and applies only to businesses operating in unincorporated Merced County; the cities of Merced, Los Banos, Atwater, Livingston, Dos Palos, and Gustine enforce their own municipal codes for stores within city limits. 154 (Enforcement Provisions), not by Animal Services.

There is no exemption for small stores, seasonal sellers, or stores that also sell other pet supplies; any live dog, cat, or rabbit offered for retail sale in the unincorporated area must trace back to a public shelter, an SPCA, a humane society, or a shelter-affiliated rescue group.

Violations & Fines

Violating § 18.14.040(A)(5) is a strict-liability zoning offense under § 18.154.070: a first infraction draws a fine up to $100, a second within one year up to $200, and each additional violation within a year up to $500. The county may instead charge a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment, and each day the violation continues is a separate offense. The Director can also issue a stop-work order, record a notice of violation, or seek a civil penalty and injunction through County Counsel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a pet store in unincorporated Merced County sell puppies from a breeder?
No. Under Zoning Code § 18.14.040(A)(5), a pet store operator may not sell a live dog, cat, or rabbit unless it came from a public animal control agency, an SPCA, a humane society, or a rescue group with a shelter cooperative agreement, so commercial breeder stock cannot be sold at retail in the unincorporated county.
Does this rule apply to pet stores inside the city of Merced?
No. Section 18.14.040 is part of the county's own Zoning Code and only governs unincorporated territory. The city of Merced, along with Los Banos, Atwater, Livingston, Dos Palos, and Gustine, is a separate incorporated jurisdiction that adopts and enforces its own municipal code, so a store inside any of those city limits is not covered by this county provision.
What happens if a Merced County pet store is caught selling a non-shelter animal?
The county's Code Compliance staff can cite the operator for a zoning violation under Chapter 18.154. A first offense is an infraction with a fine up to $100, rising to $200 for a second violation within a year and $500 for each violation after that; the county can instead pursue it as a misdemeanor carrying up to a $1,000 fine and possible jail time.
Can a pet store adopt out shelter animals instead of selling breeder stock?
Yes. Section 18.14.040(A)(5) allows pet stores to sell or facilitate adoption of dogs, cats, and rabbits sourced from a public animal control agency, an SPCA shelter, a humane society shelter, or a rescue group that has a cooperative agreement with at least one private or public shelter, consistent with statewide AB 485.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Merced County

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSignificant RestrictionsBird ProtectionHeavy RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsWildlife Rescue PermitsLight RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Merced County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Merced County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Pet Store Rules in Merced County, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.