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Animal Ordinances in Fontana, CA (2026)

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

Verified from official government sources

Chickens & Livestock

Fontana permits backyard chickens and small fowl in applicable residential and agricultural zones per Zoning Code Table 30-432. All animals must be housed at least 40 feet from any dwelling, and slaughter is prohibited in every zoning district.

Fontana Chickens and Livestock Rules

Some Restrictions

Dog Leash Laws

Fontana requires dogs to be on leash whenever off the owner's property. Municipal Code Chapter 4 and companion San Bernardino County animal code enforce the leash rule, and dogs running at large can be impounded by Animal Services.

Fontana Dog Leash Laws

Some Restrictions

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

Few Restrictions

California 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 ...

Beekeeping

Fontana permits beekeeping in zones that allow it under the Zoning and Development Code, with setbacks from property lines and neighboring dwellings. California state law does not preempt local bee rules, so the City can set specific hive placement requirements.

Fontana Beekeeping Rules

Some Restrictions

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 Restrictions

California 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...

Wildlife Feeding

Fontana prohibits feeding wild animals under Chapter 18 nuisance rules and Chapter 4 animal provisions. Feeding coyotes, raccoons, and skunks draws them into yards and is treated as a nuisance even without a named wildlife-feeding ordinance.

Fontana Wildlife Feeding Rules

Some Restrictions

Livestock

Large livestock like horses, goats, and sheep are allowed only in parcels zoned Residential Agricultural (R-A) or Agricultural, with strict animal-per-acre and setback requirements. Most standard Fontana residential lots cannot host livestock.

Fontana Livestock Rules

Some Restrictions

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