Animal Ordinances in Mission Viejo, CA (2026)
3 verified animal ordinances for Mission Viejo, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
Mission Viejo Municipal Code Section 10.01.200 requires that any dog on public property be restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length, and be under the charge of a person competent to exercise care, custody, and control of the dog - unless the owner or operator of that public property has granted written permission for off-leash use. The rule applies on city streets, sidewalks, parks, and trails (other than designated off-leash areas). California Food and Agricultural Code Section 30951 authorizes local agencies to impound dogs running at large. Animal services for Mission Viejo are administered by the city's Animal Services Center.
Dog Leash Laws in Mission Viejo
Some RestrictionsMission Viejo Municipal Code Sec. 10.01.200 (Leash Law)
Sec. 10.01.200 (Mission Viejo) — a) No person owning or having charge, care, custody, or control of any dog shall cause or permit, either willfully or through failure to exercise due care or control, any such dog to be upon any private property unless such dog is restrained thereon by a fence, wall, substantial chain, leash not exceeding six feet in length, other appropriate physical restraint,...
Beekeeping
Residential beekeeping is effectively prohibited in Mission Viejo. The City Council rejected a proposed beekeeping ordinance in May 2021 by a 4-1 vote. Under the existing nuisance code (§9.59.110), bees kept or bred in violation of the municipal code are designated a nuisance.
Mission Viejo Beekeeping Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsExotic Pets
Mission Viejo and the State of California restrict ownership of exotic animals. Many species require California Department of Fish and Wildlife permits, and the city's animal control provisions and HOA rules may impose additional limitations on exotic pet ownership.
Mission Viejo Exotic Pet Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 671(c) - CDFW Restricted Species Permits
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) (PDF). Entitlements Fee Description Restricted Species Permit Application/Amendment New: $155.53 Renewal and Amendment: $80.60 Required for every new permit, permit renewal or amendment of an...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Mission Viejo city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Orange County →