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Animal Ordinances in Ontario, CA (2026)

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

Verified from official government sources

Chickens & Livestock

Ontario allows backyard hens in residential zones under the Development Code and OMC Title 6, with coop setbacks. Roosters are typically prohibited, and larger livestock require agricultural or equine zoning.

Ontario Chickens and Livestock Rules

Some Restrictions

Dog Leash Laws

Ontario requires dogs to be leashed off-property under OMC Title 6. Maximum leash length is 6 feet, with owner control required in all public spaces except designated off-leash dog parks.

Ontario Dog Leash Laws

Heavy Restrictions

Breed Restrictions

Ontario does not ban specific dog breeds. CA Food and Agricultural Code 31683 preempts cities from breed-specific bans, though individual dogs can be declared dangerous and breed-specific spay/neuter rules are allowed.

Ontario Breed Restrictions

Few Restrictions

California Food and Agricultural Code § 31683 (No Breed-Specific Dog Laws)

Food and Agricultural Code - FAC. DIVISION 14. REGULATION AND LICENSING OF DOGS [30501 - 31683]. CHAPTER 9. Potentially Dangerous and Vicious Dogs [31601 - 31683]. ARTICLE 5. Miscellaneous [31681 - 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 inco...

Beekeeping

Ontario allows beekeeping under the Development Code with hive-count and setback limits. Beekeepers must register annually with the San Bernardino County Agricultural Commissioner under CA F and A Code 29040.

Ontario Beekeeping Rules

Some Restrictions

Exotic Pets

Ontario defers to California state law on exotic pets. CA Fish and Game Code and Title 14 Section 671 ban most wild species including big cats, bears, ferrets, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders without a permit.

Ontario Exotic Pet Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Wildlife Feeding

Ontario discourages wildlife feeding under its nuisance rules and CA F and G Code 251.1. Intentional feeding of coyotes, raccoons, and similar wildlife can be declared a public nuisance and attractants must be removed.

Ontario Wildlife Feeding Rules

Some Restrictions

Livestock

Ontario restricts livestock to agricultural and equine zones in the Development Code. Most livestock activity is in Ontario Ranch (New Model Colony). Standard residential zones prohibit cattle, goats, sheep, and horses.

Ontario Livestock Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Looking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Ontario city rules.

Animal Ordinances in San Bernardino County