Animal Ordinances in San Francisco, CA (2026)
8 verified animal ordinances for San Francisco, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
San Francisco Health Code Article 1 Section 37 allows up to 4 small animals (chickens, ducks, rabbits) per household without a permit. Roosters are prohibited. Coops must be 20 feet from any dwelling, and larger livestock require a special permit.
Chickens and Livestock Rules in San Francisco
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
San Francisco Health Code Article 1 requires dogs to be leashed in public spaces, with limited off-leash zones designated by Recreation and Parks Department in specific parks like Fort Funston and Crissy Field.
Dog Leash Laws in San Francisco
Some RestrictionsBeekeeping
San Francisco permits residential beekeeping under SF Health Code Article 1 with hive registration, setback rules, and water-source requirements. The city encourages urban apiaries and hosts a thriving beekeeper community.
Backyard Beekeeping Rules in San Francisco
Few RestrictionsExotic Pets
San Francisco prohibits keeping wild and exotic animals as pets under SF Health Code Article 1, aligning with California Fish and Game Code Section 2118 restricted species list. Permits are rarely granted outside of education and research.
Exotic Pet Restrictions in San Francisco
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife — Restricted Species Permits (CCR Title 14, Section 671(c))
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). Entitlements/Fees: Restricted Species Permit Application/Amendment — New: $155.53; Renewal and Amendment: $80.60. Restricted Species Permit Inspection: 1-5 Enclosures: $319.50; 6-25 Enclosur...
Wildlife Feeding
San Francisco Health Code Article 1 and state Fish & Game regulations prohibit feeding non-domestic wildlife including raccoons, skunks, coyotes, deer, and wild birds where it creates a nuisance. Pigeon feeding is banned on public property under Police Code Section 486.
Wildlife Feeding Rules in San Francisco
Heavy RestrictionsMandatory Spay/Neuter
San Francisco Health Code Article 1, Section 43, requires mandatory spaying or neutering of all pit bull-type dogs over eight weeks of age, one of the first such breed-specific ordinances in California passed in 2005.
Mandatory Spay/Neuter for SF Pit Bulls
Heavy RestrictionsMicrochipping
San Francisco Health Code Article 1 requires all dogs and cats impounded by Animal Care and Control to be microchipped before release, and licensing rules strongly encourage chipping for all pets.
Mandatory Pet Microchipping in San Francisco
Some RestrictionsPet Store Rules
San Francisco Health Code Article 1 prohibits the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits unless sourced from animal shelters or rescue organizations, making SF among the first US cities with such a ban.