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Animal Ordinances in Dublin, CA (2026)

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

Verified from official government sources

Chickens & Livestock

The City of Dublin states that keeping livestock, including poultry such as chickens, in a residential district requires an Animal Fanciers Permit. The City's residential pet page says keeping of livestock is prohibited without that permit, which is administered through Alameda County animal control.

Dublin Chickens & Backyard Livestock

Heavy Restrictions

Dog Leash Laws

Dublin requires dogs to be leashed in public and on others' property under Municipal Code Chapter 5.36. The leash must not exceed six feet, and the handler must keep the dog under effective control. Dogs may run off-leash only inside designated dog parks.

Dublin Dog Leash Laws

Some Restrictions

Breed Restrictions

Dublin's published materials do not impose breed-specific restrictions such as a pit bull ban. The City regulates dogs by behavior through its vicious-dog process under Chapter 5.36, where a hearing officer can declare a dog a public nuisance and order corrective action regardless of breed.

Dublin Dog Breed Restrictions

Few Restrictions

Beekeeping

The City of Dublin does not publish a dedicated backyard beekeeping ordinance. Bees kept as livestock would fall under the City's livestock and Animal Fanciers Permit framework, while apiary registration and bee protection are governed by California state law administered by the County Agricultural Commissioner.

Dublin Beekeeping Rules

Some Restrictions

Exotic Pets

Dublin's Animal Control ordinance regulates exotic and wild animals not covered by other law, defining 'wild animal' broadly and restricting certain large snakes and crocodilians. California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 separately bars possessing many restricted species, including primates and ferrets, without a state permit.

Dublin Exotic Pet Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Wildlife Feeding

The City of Dublin does not publish a specific ordinance prohibiting the feeding of wildlife. Its wildlife guidance instead urges residents not to leave food outside that attracts coyotes and other animals, and directs wildlife issues to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Dublin Wildlife Feeding Rules

Some Restrictions

Livestock

The City of Dublin prohibits keeping livestock as accessory to a residence in residential zoning districts unless the owner holds a valid Animal Fanciers Permit. That permit is administered through Alameda County animal control and the East County Animal Shelter.

Dublin Livestock Keeping

Heavy Restrictions

Animal Hoarding

Dublin does not have a separate animal-hoarding ordinance. Hoarding is addressed through the City's pet-limit and Animal Fanciers Permit rules and, more seriously, through California Penal Code Section 597, which makes animal neglect and cruelty a crime that can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Dublin Animal Hoarding

Heavy Restrictions

Pet Limits

Residential lots in Dublin may keep no more than two dogs and two cats without an Animal Fanciers Permit. Keeping more than that number, or keeping livestock, as accessory to a residence in an 'R' zoning district requires the permit, which is issued through Alameda County.

Dublin Pet Limits

Some Restrictions

Cat Rules

Dublin does not require cats to be licensed, and there is no leash requirement for cats. Households may keep up to two cats without an Animal Fanciers Permit. Cat owners remain subject to the City's general animal control and public-nuisance rules under Chapter 5.36.

Dublin Cat Rules

Few Restrictions

Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?

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

Animal Ordinances in Alameda County