Animal Ordinances in San Diego, CA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for San Diego, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
San Diego permits up to 5 chickens (hens only, no roosters) on single-family lots under SDMC Section 42.0709. Coop must be in the rear yard, 5 feet from side property lines and 13 feet from rear. Larger livestock (goats, sheep) allowed on lots of 1 acre or more with additional setbacks.
San Diego Chickens & Livestock Regulations
Some RestrictionsSDMC § 42.0709 (Animals and Poultry)
Chickens may be kept and maintained on a property of a single-family residence, a community garden or a retail farm in accordance with the following: No roosters are permitted. Up to five chickens may be kept when the coop is located outside of all required setbacks. Up to 15 chickens may be kept when the coop is located 15 feet from all property lines and outside of all required setbacks, whic...
Dog Leash Laws
San Diego has no standalone leash ordinance of its own. SDMC § 44.0300 adopts the County of San Diego's Animal Control Ordinance by reference, so the county's leash and at-large restraint standard governs dogs everywhere inside city limits.
San Diego Dog Leash Law
Some RestrictionsSan Diego Municipal Code § 44.0300
The animal control ordinance of the County of San Diego, California, under Title 6, Division 2, Chapter 6 of the San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances, adopted by the Board of Supervisors, hereafter referred to as the County Code, ... is hereby adopted by reference, and incorporated as the Animal Control Ordinance of the City of San Diego, and made a part hereof as if fully set out in ...
Breed Restrictions
San Diego does not impose breed-specific legislation (BSL). No dog breeds are banned. California state law (Food & Agriculture Code Section 31683) preempts local breed-specific bans. Dogs are regulated based on individual behavior, not breed. Dangerous/vicious dog declarations apply to any breed.
San Diego Dog Breed Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Food & Agric. 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 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
San Diego allows 1-2 beehives on residential property per SDMC Chapter 4, Article 4, Division 4. Hives must be outside setbacks or 15 feet from property lines. A 6-foot barrier is required unless hives are 8+ feet above ground. Registration with County Agriculture Department required (no City permit).
San Diego Beekeeping Regulations
Some RestrictionsSDMC Chapter 4, Article 4, Division 4 (Beekeeping)
In 2012, the City of San Diego amended its Municipal Code to allow residents of single-family homes, community gardens and retail farms to keep and maintain two beehives. The specific regulations are in Chapter 4, Article 4, Division 4 of the Municipal Code [...]. Summary of Regulations: A beekeeper shall register the apiary with the San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner within 30 days of ...
Exotic Pets
San Diego restricts ownership of certain exotic and dangerous animals. Monkeys, alligators, poisonous reptiles, and other dangerous or invasive species are prohibited or require special permits. California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations (CA Code of Regulations Title 14, §671) broadly restrict possession of wild animals. A maximum of six dogs and cats combined per household applies in residential areas.
San Diego Exotic Animal Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Code Regs. tit. 14, § 671 (CDFW Restricted Species)
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 a...
Pet Store Rules
San Diego bans pet shops from selling live dogs, cats, or rabbits unless the animal came from a shelter, humane society, or rescue group, per SDMC §42.0707.
San Diego Retail Pet Sale Ban
Significant RestrictionsSan Diego Municipal Code § 42.0707
It is unlawful for any person to display, offer for sale, deliver, barter, auction, give away, transfer, or sell any live dog, cat, or rabbit in any pet shop, retail business, or other commercial establishment located in the City of San Diego, unless the dog, cat, or rabbit was obtained from a city or county animal shelt...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
San Diego allows veterinary clinics and animal hospitals as a permitted or conditional use depending on zone, requiring a Neighborhood Use Permit in some areas and barring them from agricultural land in Proposition A areas and Coastal Overlay floodplains.
San Diego Veterinary Clinic Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsSan Diego Municipal Code § 141.0625
Veterinary clinics and animal hospitals are permitted as a limited use in the zones indicated with an "L" and may be permitted with a Neighborhood Use Permit decided in accordance with Process Two in the zones indicated with an "N" in the Use Regulations Tables in Chapter 13, Article 1 (Base Zones) subject to the following regulations. ...
Looking for San Diego County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Diego city rules.
Animal Ordinances in San Diego County →