Animal Ordinances in Fontana, CA (2026)
5 verified animal ordinances for Fontana, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Keeping more than 50 chickens or other birds on one property in Fontana makes it a regulated 'poultry ranch' that needs an annual permit from the public works department's environmental control section. Grazing more than four sheep per acre likewise requires a separate city permit, fencing, and a $500 cash bond.
Fontana Poultry Ranch Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsFontana Municipal Code Sec. 13-97, 13-102; Sec. 4-7
Poultry ranch means any property, building, structure, enclosure or premises where more than 50 chickens or other birds are kept, raised or maintained. ... Sec. 13-102. - Permit for poultry ranches—Generally. (a)Permit required. Every owner or operator of a poultry ranch shall apply to the public works department, environmental control section, and obtain an annual permit to engage in the busin...
Dog Leash Laws
Fontana bars dog owners from taking their dog off the property unless it wears a leash no longer than six feet under a competent handler's control, rides secured in a car or cage, or stays under the handler's immediate command. Dogs kept at home must stay behind a locked enclosure or a tether strong enough to keep them off the property line and the public right-of-way.
Fontana Dog Leash and Restraint Law
Some RestrictionsFontana Municipal Code Sec. 4-2
(2)No person may lawfully bring his dog out of his premises or property unless: a.The dog is restrained by a substantial leash not to exceed six feet in length and is in the charge of a person competent to restrain such dog. b.The dog is under immediate command control of its owner or some other person competent to restrain such dog. c.The dog is properly restrained and enclosed in a car, cage ...
Breed Restrictions
Fontana does not restrict dogs by breed. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 preempts cities from banning specific breeds, so Fontana uses behavior-based dangerous and vicious dog rules from Chapter 4 instead.
Fontana Dog Breed Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683
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 ...
Exotic Pets
California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 bans a long list of exotic species statewide, including ferrets, hedgehogs, and most non-native wildlife. Fontana enforces these state rules through Chapter 4 and defers to CDFW permits for allowed species.
Fontana Exotic Pet Rules
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife - Restricted Species Permits (14 CCR Sec. 671)
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). Entitlements: Restricted Species Permit Application/Amendment - New: $155.53; Renewal and Amendment: $80.60 - Required for every new permit, permit renewal or amendment of an existing permit...
Mandatory Spay/Neuter
Fontana requires every Pit Bull, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier or identifiable mix to be spayed or neutered unless the owner holds AKC or UKC breeding registration, the dog works for law enforcement, qualifies as a certified service animal, or a veterinarian certifies surgery risks serious harm. A pit bull declared vicious loses every exemption and must be altered within 30 days.
Fontana Mandatory Pit Bull Spay/Neuter Rule
Significant RestrictionsFontana Municipal Code Sec. 4-69
(a)No person shall own or keep a Pit Bull subject to this article pursuant to section 4-66 which has not been spayed or neutered, except as provided in paragraph (b) below. For purposes of this section, "Pit Bull" is defined as any Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, or American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog, or any mixed breed of dog which contains, as an element of its...
Looking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fontana city rules.
Animal Ordinances in San Bernardino County →