Animal Ordinances in El Monte, CA (2026)
4 verified animal ordinances for El Monte, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
El Monte allows poultry, rabbits and bees on any R-1B or R-1C lot, and horses, goats, sheep and a family cow on larger lots, under Section 17.20.050.D of the zoning code. Horses need 7,500 to 20,000 square feet per animal depending on district; up to three goats, three sheep and one personal-use cow are capped in R-1C only.
Backyard Poultry and Livestock Rules in El Monte
Some RestrictionsEl Monte, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 17.20.050(D) (Keeping of Animals)
D.Keeping of Animals.1.The keeping of animals in the R-1B and R-1C zoning districts:a.The breeding, hatching and raising of poultry, fowl, birds, rabbits, chinchillas, earthworms, fish, frogs and bees are permitted for domestic or commercial use.b.The keeping of horses:i.In the R-1B zoning district, the lot shall have a minimum area of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet, with no more than one...
Cat Rules
El Monte's own code prints just one cat-specific numeric rule: a cat kennel cannot sit within 35 feet of a neighbor's occupied home, under Municipal Code Section 6.04.040. Broader cat licensing and at-large rules come from Los Angeles County's Title 10 Animal Control Code, which the city adopts wholesale and enforces through its own Health Officer.
Cat Kennel Setback Rules in El Monte
Light RestrictionsEl Monte, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 6.04.040 (Kennels - Residential Separation)
It is unlawful to maintain a dog kennel or a cat kennel within thirty-five (35) feet of any dwelling occupied by human beings other than the owner or operator of such dog or cat kennel. This section shall not preclude the specification of a greater distance in the zoning regulations of this code.
Pet Groomer Rules
El Monte's zoning code classifies pet grooming as a service use permitted by right in the city's mixed-use, commercial and manufacturing districts, but never in a residential zone. Section 17.150.090 defines animal grooming as bathing and trimming services for dogs, cats and other household animals, and expressly excludes overnight boarding from that use.
Animal Grooming Zoning Rules in El Monte
Some RestrictionsEl Monte, CA, Municipal Code (Title 17 Zoning) Sec. 17.150.090 (Use Definitions - Service Uses, "Animal grooming")
"Animal service" means one of the following: "Animal boarding/kennel" means the commercial provision of shelter and care for dogs, cats, other household animals, including activities associated with such shelter and care (e.g., feeding, exercising, grooming, and incidental medical care). "Animal grooming" means a general personal service use providing for the bathing and trimming services for d...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
El Monte zoning lets veterinary clinics and animal hospitals operate by right in the MMU, UMU, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2 and MV zones, but not in the office-commercial C-1 district or any residential zone. Section 17.150.090 defines the use to include overnight medical boarding tied to treatment, distinct from a standalone boarding kennel.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning Rules in El Monte
Some RestrictionsEl Monte, CA, Municipal Code (Title 17 Zoning) Sec. 17.150.090 (Use Definitions - Service Uses, "Veterinary service"/"Animal hospital-clinic")
"Veterinary service" or "animal hospital/clinic" means an establishment where household animals receive medical and surgical treatment and may be temporarily boarded (more than one-night stay) in association with such medical or surgical treatment. Short-term animal boarding may be provided as an accessory use.
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement El Monte city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Los Angeles County →