Animal Ordinances in Davis, CA (2026)
10 verified animal ordinances for Davis, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Davis Municipal Code Section 5.01.020 lets residents keep up to six chicken hens (or six pigeons or six rabbits, combined not to exceed six). No structure may sit within forty feet of a neighboring residence. Larger livestock is generally prohibited.
Davis Backyard Chickens and Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Davis Municipal Code Section 5.04.040 prohibits dogs from running at large in the city. A dog off its owner's premises must be under restraint by a leash controlled by the owner or custodian, with limited exceptions.
Davis Dog Leash and At-Large Rules
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Davis has no breed-specific ban. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 preempts breed-based dog laws, so Davis regulates dangerous behavior, not breed. Any breed may be kept if the owner follows leash, license, and vicious-animal rules.
Davis Dog Breed Restriction Rules
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
The Davis Municipal Code has no dedicated beekeeping ordinance. Backyard hives are governed by California's Apiary Protection Act, which requires registering each apiary with the Yolo County Agricultural Commissioner through the BeeWhere system.
Davis Backyard Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Davis Municipal Code 5.01.010 prohibits keeping wild and non-domestic animals except by special permit. California law also bans most wild and exotic species as pets, so residents cannot keep restricted wildlife without state authorization.
Davis Exotic and Wild Animal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
The City of Davis strongly discourages feeding wildlife such as coyotes and wild turkeys and manages them through wildlife plans. A 2018 ordinance to ban feeding of certain wildlife was proposed; residents should follow city do-not-feed guidance and nuisance rules.
Davis Wildlife Feeding Rules
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Davis Municipal Code 5.01.010 prohibits keeping livestock and domestic fowl within the city as a general rule. Only small backyard hens, pigeons, or rabbits under Section 5.01.020, or animals under a special permit, are allowed.
Davis Livestock Keeping Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Davis addresses animal hoarding through the adopted Yolo County animal-control code and California animal-cruelty law. Keeping too many animals in unsanitary or neglectful conditions is enforceable as cruelty and as a public nuisance.
Davis Animal Hoarding and Neglect Rules
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Davis sets no numeric cap on household dogs or cats in its municipal code. Small backyard animals are capped at six hens, pigeons, or rabbits under Section 5.01.020, and keeping many animals may trigger Yolo County kennel rules and nuisance limits.
Davis Pet Number Limit Rules
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Davis has no leash law for cats and does not require cat licensing; Yolo County keeps cat licensing voluntary. Cats are regulated mainly through nuisance rules and the adopted Yolo County animal-control code.
Davis Cat Keeping and Licensing Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Yolo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Davis city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Yolo County →