Animal Ordinances in Fresno, CA (2026)
14 verified animal ordinances for Fresno, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Fresno allows up to six hens (no roosters) on single-family residential lots under FMC §9-2801, with coops set back at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings. Larger livestock such as goats, sheep, pigs, and cattle are only allowed on properties zoned for agriculture or rural residential (minimum 0.5 acre for small goats).
Chicken and Livestock Rules in Fresno
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
FMC §9-2703 requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or in an enclosed area whenever off the owner's property. Off-leash is only permitted at designated Fresno dog parks including Woodward Park Dog Park, Basin AH-3, and Inspiration Park Dog Park. Violations carry $50-$250 fines escalating for repeats.
Dog Leash Laws in Fresno
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
California Food and Agriculture Code §31683 prohibits cities and counties from banning specific dog breeds, so Fresno has no breed-specific legislation. However, FMC Chapter 9 and state law allow designation of any dog as potentially dangerous or vicious based on behavior, with mandatory muzzle, insurance, and enclosure requirements.
Dog Breed Restrictions in Fresno
Some RestrictionsCal. Food & Agricultural Code §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 as prov...
Beekeeping
Fresno allows backyard beekeeping on single-family residential lots with up to two hives on lots under 10,000 square feet and four hives on larger lots. Hives must be set back 10 feet from property lines, with flyway barriers 6 feet tall if within 25 feet of neighbor property. Registration with the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner is required annually.
Beekeeping Rules in Fresno
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
California Fish and Game Code §2118 prohibits private ownership of most exotic and wild animals statewide including large cats, bears, primates, wolves, ferrets, and many reptiles. Fresno adopts these state restrictions and FMC §9-2806 additionally bans keeping venomous reptiles and wild animals in residential zones. Common exotic pets like rabbits, hamsters, reptiles, and birds are allowed.
Exotic Pet Rules in Fresno
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
California Fish and Game Code §251.3 prohibits feeding big game, furbearing mammals, and non-game mammals statewide. FMC §9-2810 also prohibits feeding of feral cats, pigeons, rodents, and wildlife where it creates a public nuisance. Bird feeders for songbirds are allowed unless they attract rats or create sanitation issues.
Wildlife Feeding Rules in Fresno
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife - Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can occur when humans encounter or interact with wild animals in an unwanted or unsafe way. In California, habitat loss and a changing climate have increased the frequency and type of HWC reported to CDFW. It has become more common for people to be "living with wildlife" as communities grow along the urban-wildlands interface and wildlife look for limited resources...
Livestock
Livestock such as horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and llamas are only allowed in AE (Agricultural Exclusive), RE (Rural Estate), and similar rural zones in Fresno. Standard R-1 residential zoning prohibits livestock except for the 6-hen chicken allowance. Minimum parcel size varies by species, typically 0.5-1 acre for small goats and 2+ acres for horses and cattle.
Livestock Rules in Fresno
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Fresno enforces California Penal Code animal cruelty and hoarding provisions through Fresno County Animal Center field officers and the Fresno Police Department, particularly when pet-limit violations combine with neglect, unsanitary conditions, or untreated illness in animals.
Animal Hoarding and Cruelty Enforcement
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Penal Code §597
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (c) of this section or Section 599c, a person who maliciously and intentionally maims, mutilates, tortures, or wounds a living animal, or maliciously and intentionally kills an animal, is guilty of a crime punishable pursuant to subdivision (d). (b) A person who overdrives, overloads, drives when overloaded, overworks, tortures, torments, deprives of necess...
Pet Limits
Fresno limits the number of dogs and cats kept at a single residence. Households exceeding the limit may need a kennel or cattery permit administered through the Fresno County Animal Center under contract.
Household Pet Limit Rules in Fresno
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Fresno encourages but does not strictly mandate cat licensing. Cats must be kept under owner control, vaccinated for rabies if over four months old, and may be impounded if found at-large repeatedly causing nuisance complaints.
Cat Licensing and Containment Rules
Few RestrictionsMandatory Spay/Neuter
Fresno encourages spay and neuter for owned dogs and cats and applies differential licensing fees favoring altered animals. Adoptions from the Fresno County Animal Center include spay or neuter before release except for medical exemptions documented by veterinarians.
Spay and Neuter Requirements
Some RestrictionsMicrochipping
Fresno strongly encourages microchipping dogs and cats to ensure return to owners when lost. Adopted animals from Fresno County Animal Center are microchipped before release as part of standard adoption protocol and county practice.
Pet Microchipping Recommendations
Few RestrictionsCoyote Management
Fresno borders agricultural and foothill habitats where coyotes routinely enter neighborhoods. The city follows California Department of Fish and Wildlife guidance encouraging hazing, secure trash, and pet supervision rather than relocation, which is generally prohibited under state law.
Coyote Encounters and Hazing Guidance
Few RestrictionsPet Store Rules
California AB 485 requires Fresno pet stores selling dogs, cats, or rabbits to source only from public shelters or rescue organizations. Retail sale of breeder-supplied puppies, kittens, or rabbits is banned statewide, with local enforcement supporting state inspections and sourcing audits.
Pet Store Sourcing Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code §122354.5
(a) A pet store shall not adopt out, sell, or offer for sale a dog, cat, or rabbit. This section does not prevent a pet store from providing space to display animals for adoption in accordance with subdivision (b). (b)(1) A pet store shall not provide space for the display of dogs, cats, or rabbits available for adoption unless the animals are displayed by either a public animal control agency ...
Looking for Fresno County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fresno city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Fresno County →