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Animal Ordinances in Antioch, CA (2026)

8 verified animal ordinances for Antioch, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Chickens & Livestock

Antioch allows backyard chickens in residential zones with limits on quantity (typically 4-6 hens), a prohibition on roosters, coop setback requirements from property lines and dwellings, and sanitary maintenance standards to prevent odor and pest issues.

Animals: Chickens Backyard

Some Restrictions

Dog Leash Laws

Antioch requires dogs to be on a leash when off the owner's property. Dogs at large are subject to impoundment by Contra Costa County Animal Services. Rabies vaccination and licensing are mandatory.

Antioch Dog Leash Laws

Heavy Restrictions

Breed Restrictions

Antioch does not have breed-specific restrictions. California state law (AB 1634 / Food and Agricultural Code) prohibits cities from enacting breed-specific legislation. Dangerous dog determinations are behavior-based.

Antioch Dog Breed Restrictions

Few Restrictions

Cal. Food & Agricultural Code Sec. 31683 (Local Dangerous Dog Ordinances — No Breed Specificity)

31683. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a city or county from adopting or enforcing its own program for the control of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs that may incorporate all, part, or none of this chapter, or that may punish a violation of this chapter as a misdemeanor or may impose a more restrictive program to control potentially dangerous or vicious dogs. Except ...

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is permitted in Antioch with hive setback requirements from property lines and public rights-of-way. Hives must be registered with the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner per state law (California Food & Ag Code §29040).

Animals: Beekeeping

Some Restrictions

Exotic Pets

California has one of the most restrictive exotic pet laws in the U.S. Ferrets, monkeys, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, most venomous reptiles, and large constrictors are all prohibited statewide (CCR Title 14 §671). Antioch defers to state law without additional local exemptions.

Animals: Exotic Pets

Heavy Restrictions

CDFW Restricted Species Permits (14 CCR § 671 — Detrimental Animals)

Restricted Species Permits are required for every person who imports, exports, transports, or possesses any restricted animal listed in Section 671(c), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). [...] Animal Care (Detrimental Species): Issued to any resident who has demonstrated the experience and ability to house animals designated as a detrimental species, and who legally possesse...

Wildlife Feeding

Feeding wildlife (deer, raccoons, coyotes, turkeys) is discouraged and may be prohibited when it creates a public nuisance. Antioch residents should contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife conflicts. Trapping requires state permits.

Animals: Wildlife

Some Restrictions

CDFW Keep Me Wild — Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit

Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit. Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can occur when humans encounter or interact with wild animals in an unwanted or unsafe way. In California, habitat loss and a changing climate have increased the frequency and type of HWC reported to CDFW. It has become more common for people to be "living with wildlife" as communities grow along the urban-wildlands interface and w...

Livestock

Livestock including horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs are generally prohibited in Antioch residential zones. They are permitted only on parcels zoned Agricultural (A) or with specific large-lot rural residential zoning, subject to minimum acreage and setback requirements.

Animals: Livestock

Heavy Restrictions

Pet Limits

Antioch limits the number of dogs and cats per household, typically allowing up to 3 dogs and 3 cats over 4 months old without a kennel permit. Exceeding these limits requires a kennel permit and may be restricted to non-residential zones.

Animals: Pet Limits

Some Restrictions

Looking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Antioch city rules.

Animal Ordinances in Contra Costa County