Animal Ordinances in Monterey, CA (2026)
8 verified animal ordinances for Monterey, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Monterey bans roosters citywide starting August 1, 2026, and requires hens to be kept in a secure, escape-proof enclosure. Horses, cows, goats and sheep need fenced areas of at least 2,500 square feet per animal, kept well away from neighboring homes.
Monterey Backyard Poultry and Livestock Rules
Significant RestrictionsMonterey City Code §§ 6-4, 6-6
No person shall keep any horse, cow, goat or sheep on private property within the City except in securely fenced areas, enclosures or corrals. No horses, cows, goats or sheep shall be kept in any such fenced area, enclosure or corral which is located within 75 feet of any other person’s dwelling, or any structure used for residential purposes, and unless at least 2,500 square feet of area is pr...
Dog Leash Laws
Monterey requires every dog to be led or restrained by a chain, strap, rope or cord actually held by a person or tied to a stationary object whenever it is off the owner's fenced property. A dog off-leash on any public or private property counts as running at large.
Monterey Dog Leash and Restraint Requirement
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 6-10
It shall be unlawful for any person having the charge, care, or control of any dog, whether licensed and vaccinated or not, to suffer or permit any such dog to run at large on any public or private property within the City. All dogs shall be deemed running at large within the meaning of this Section unless led or restrained by a chain, strap, rope, or cord attached to their collars or harness a...
Breed Restrictions
Monterey has no breed-specific dog ban; instead it declares individual dogs 'vicious' or 'potentially dangerous' based on documented biting or attack incidents, through an administrative hearing that can order euthanasia, up to a 36-month ownership ban, muzzling or confinement.
Monterey Vicious and Dangerous Dog Declarations
Significant RestrictionsMonterey City Code §§ 6-31, 6-32
“Potentially dangerous dog” means any of the following: 1.Any dog which, when unprovoked, on two separate occasions within the prior 36-month period, engages in any behavior that requires a defensive action by any person to prevent bodily injury whether the person and the dog are on or off the property of the owner or keeper of the dog. ... “Vicious dog” means any of the following: 1.Any dog th...
Wildlife Feeding
Monterey bans feeding or intentionally providing food to non-domesticated animals to encourage domesticity, with a single carve-out for a bird feeder in the yard. Two additional exceptions apply when a state or federal permit covers the animal, or Animal Control is already handling it.
Monterey Feeding of Wildlife Prohibition
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 6-9.1
No person shall feed or in any manner intentionally provide food as sustenance or to encourage domesticity in a non-domesticated animal with the exception of a bird feeder in the yard. A person may feed or provide food to wildlife under the following circumstances: ... When the wildlife is maintained, treated or fed pursuant to a valid certificate or permit issued by the State of California or ...
Pet Limits
Keeping four or more dogs or cats in any Monterey residential zone requires a Pet Permit from the Community Development Director, granted for no more than one year at a time and subject to reopening for any pet-related complaint.
Monterey Requires a Permit for More Than 3 Pets
Significant RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 38-26(K)
3.The keeping of animals ordinarily referred to as household pets, but not including a sufficient number to constitute a kennel, as defined in this chapter, unless a Pet Permit is first obtained in accordance with the following provisions: a.Any person residing in any residential zone may apply for permission to possess four or more dogs and/or cats upon their premises. ... 4.Any Pet Permit iss...
Pet Groomer Rules
Monterey classifies pet grooming as "Animal Grooming" under its Zoning Ordinance and allows it outright in the city's C-1 and C-2 commercial districts, without a discretionary use permit. Every grooming shop must also provide one off-street parking space for each 500 square feet of floor area under Monterey City Code § 38-15.
Monterey Zoning for Pet Groomers
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code §§ 38-15(D)(2), 38-29
2. Animal Grooming.Provision of bathing and trimming services for small animals on a commercial basis. ... B. Land Use Regulations.In the following schedule, the letter "P" designates use classifications permitted in the ... C-2 district, and the letter "U" designates use classifications allowed on approval of a use permit. ... | Animal Grooming | P |
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Monterey's Zoning Ordinance treats veterinary clinics as "Animal Hospitals," a use limited to facilities that are entirely enclosed, soundproofed, and air-conditioned. The classification is prohibited in the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District, requires a discretionary use permit in the C-2 Community Commercial District, and is permitted outright only in the C-3 General Commercial District under Monterey City Code § 38-15.
Monterey Zoning Rules for Animal Hospitals
Significant RestrictionsMonterey City Code §§ 38-15(D)(3), 38-29, 38-30
3. Animal Hospitals.Establishments where small animals receive medical and surgical treatment. This classification includes only facilities that are entirely enclosed, soundproofed, and air conditioned. Grooming and temporary (30 days) boarding of animals is included if incidental to the hospital use. ... B. Land Use Regulations.In the following schedule, the letter "P" designates use classific...
Bird Protection
Monterey City Code § 23-25 makes it unlawful to feed any bird or animal, other than a person's own domestic pet, within El Estero Park. The rule sits inside Chapter 23's Article 2 covering El Estero Park specifically, and it works alongside a separate citywide ban on feeding wildlife found in Chapter 6.
Monterey Bans Bird Feeding at El Estero
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 23-25
It shall be unlawful to feed any bird or animal, except a domestic pet under the person’s jurisdiction and control within El Estero Park.
Looking for Monterey County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Monterey city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Monterey County →