Animal Ordinances in Riverside, CA (2026)
12 verified animal ordinances for Riverside, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
The City of Riverside allows non-commercial poultry and rabbits in the R-1 (One-Family Residential) zone — up to 5 poultry and 4 rabbits — but coops must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence and crowing fowl (roosters) are not permitted without a special permit.
Backyard Chickens & Livestock: Riverside Title 19 Zoning Limits
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
City of Riverside requires dogs in public to be restrained by a substantial chain or leash and controlled by a competent person; dogs running at large are a public nuisance. Enforcement is contracted to Riverside County Department of Animal Services.
Dog Leash Law: Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 8.04
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 prohibits cities and counties from banning specific breeds, but allows breed-specific spay/neuter rules. Riverside County Code §6.08.125 — which applies inside the City of Riverside through RCDAS enforcement — requires every pit bull over 4 months old to be spayed or neutered.
Breed Restrictions: Mandatory Pit Bull Spay/Neuter (Riverside County §6.08.125)
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Food and Agricultural Code Section 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
Beekeeping is permitted in the City of Riverside R-1 and other residential zones under Title 19, subject to Riverside Municipal Code Title 8 nuisance provisions and Riverside County Apiary Ordinance No. 551. Beekeepers must also register all hive locations with the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner under California's BeeWhere program (AB 2468).
Beekeeping in the City of Riverside: Permitted with State & County Apiary Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
The City of Riverside has no separate exotic-pet ordinance; possession of wild, exotic, or non-native animals is controlled by California Code of Regulations Title 14, §671 (Restricted Live Animal List), administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Most exotic pets — including big cats, primates, ferrets, venomous reptiles, and most parrots not on the unrestricted list — are illegal to possess without a CDFW permit, and Riverside County animal control supplements this with a county-level exotic-animal definition.
Exotic Pets: California Restricted-Species List (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14 §671) Controls in Riverside
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
The City of Riverside relies on California Code of Regulations Title 14, §251.1 ('Harassment of Animals') to prohibit feeding of coyotes and other wildlife. The City's Public Works Department explicitly informs residents that feeding a coyote — accidentally or intentionally — violates state and local laws. Penalties under California Fish and Game Code can reach $1,000.
Wildlife Feeding Prohibited: California Code of Regulations Title 14, §251.1
Heavy RestrictionsLivestock
Livestock such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs are permitted only in Riverside's agricultural (A) and rural-residential (RR, RC) zones on parcels meeting minimum lot-size and setback standards. Urban single-family zones prohibit larger livestock; backyard hens are regulated separately.
Riverside Livestock Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
The City of Riverside has no standalone animal-hoarding ordinance. Hoarding is prosecuted under California Penal Code §597 (cruelty to animals) and §597.1 (failure to care), with §597.9 imposing a post-conviction ownership ban. Riverside County Code Chapter 6.08 also caps non-licensed dogs at 4 (or 6 with up to 1 acre) and cats at 9 per residence — exceeding the cap requires a kennel/cattery license.
Animal Hoarding: California Penal Code §597 & §597.9 Enforced in Riverside
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Riverside zoning generally limits households to a combined total of dogs and cats before kennel permits are required. Larger numbers require a kennel or cattery permit, neighbor notice, and zoning compliance.
Riverside Household Pet Limits and Kennel Permits
Some RestrictionsMandatory Spay/Neuter
Riverside requires most dogs and cats over four months old to be spayed or neutered, with exceptions for licensed breeders, show animals, and medical waivers. The rule reduces shelter intake and is enforced through licensing.
Riverside Mandatory Spay and Neuter Rules
Some RestrictionsMicrochipping
Dogs and cats licensed in Riverside must be microchipped, and shelters must scan every animal before adoption or release. Microchips speed reunification and are checked during licensing renewals.
Riverside Pet Microchipping Requirements
Some RestrictionsCoyote Management
Riverside follows a non-lethal coyote management plan emphasizing hazing, secure trash, and removal of attractants. Lethal trapping is reserved for animals showing aggression toward people, and feeding coyotes is prohibited.
Riverside Coyote Management and Hazing
Some RestrictionsLooking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Riverside city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Riverside County →