Animal Ordinances in Modesto, CA (2026)
10 verified animal ordinances for Modesto, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Modesto Municipal Code § 10-3.202 allows up to 12 domestic fowl (hens only - no roosters), plus 2 pygmy goats and 2 miniature potbellied pigs (no boars), per dwelling unit in residential zones. Coops, pens, or cages must be at least 40 feet from any neighboring window or door used for human habitation.
Up to 12 hens (no roosters); 40-ft setback from neighbors
Some RestrictionsModesto Municipal Code § 10-3.202 (Animals and Fowl)
A maximum of twelve (12) domestic fowl (hens only), rabbits, hares, or domestic animals customarily considered to be household pets per dwelling unit ... There shall be a minimum of forty (40) feet between the window or door of any building used for human habitation and pens, coops, cages or similar housings where animals and fowl, except household pets, are kept.
Dog Leash Laws
Modesto requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when in public places. Dogs must be under the owner's control at all times. Off-leash dogs are permitted only in designated dog parks. Stanislaus County Animal Services provides enforcement.
Modesto Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Modesto has no breed-specific dog ban. California Food & Agricultural Code § 31683 prohibits any city or county dangerous-dog program from being breed-specific, although local agencies may adopt breed-specific spay/neuter or breeding requirements. Dangerous-dog and vicious-dog regulation in Modesto is enforced under Cal. Food & Agric. Code §§ 31601-31683 by Stanislaus Animal Services.
No breed bans; CA Food & Ag Code §31683 preempts BSL
Few RestrictionsCalifornia 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 the provisions of this chapter ... no program regulating any dog shall be specific as to breed.
Beekeeping
Modesto allows beekeeping in residential areas with restrictions under county agricultural regulations. Hives must be maintained properly, kept away from property lines and public areas, and water sources must be provided. Stanislaus County Agricultural Commissioner oversees bee-related issues.
Modesto Beekeeping Regulations
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Exotic pet ownership in Modesto is primarily governed by California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) regulations, which are among the most restrictive in the nation. Most wild, venomous, and non-domesticated animals are prohibited without permits.
Modesto Exotic Pet Regulations
Heavy 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). ... Animal Care (Detrimental Species) $652.25 — Issued to any resident who has demonstrated the experience and ability to house animals designated as a detrimental species, and who legally p...
Wildlife Feeding
Modesto has no municipal ordinance specifically prohibiting the feeding of wild animals. California state law — chiefly Fish and Game Code §251.1 — governs wildlife harassment, and feeding can constitute illegal harassment when it threatens animal health or safety.
Modesto Has No Local Wildlife-Feeding Ordinance
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife — Human-Wildlife Conflicts (Keep Me Wild) 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...
Animal Hoarding
Modesto has one of the lowest pet limits in California, allowing a maximum of two dogs or cats per household under MMC Title 5, Chapter 4. Animal hoarding is prosecuted under California Penal Code §§ 597–599 with local enforcement by Stanislaus Animal Services.
Modesto Caps Household Pets at Two; State Law Covers Hoarding
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Modesto's zoning ordinance limits a residential dwelling unit to two dogs (5+ months old) and three cats (3+ months old). Larger numbers, exotic animals, or kennels require a conditional use permit. All dogs four months or older must be licensed through Stanislaus Animal Services.
Maximum 2 dogs and 3 cats per dwelling unit
Some RestrictionsModesto Municipal Code § 10-3.202 (Animals and Fowl), Title 10 Zoning Regulations
A maximum of two (2) dogs, five (5) months or older, per dwelling unit. A maximum of three (3) cats, three (3) months or older, per dwelling unit.