Animal Ordinances in San Mateo, CA (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for San Mateo, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
The City of San Mateo allows chickens in residential zones with limitations. Roosters are generally prohibited due to noise. The city's zoning code regulates animal keeping through the land use provisions in Title 27. San Mateo County Animal Control enforces animal-related complaints.
San Mateo Chicken & Livestock Regulations
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
San Mateo requires dogs to be on a leash on all public property. No voice-control exemption exists in San Mateo County. Off-leash areas exist in designated dog parks. Animal control via Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA.
City of San Mateo Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
San Mateo does not have a breed-specific ban. All dogs must be licensed with San Mateo County and vaccinated. Dogs designated dangerous after an incident face enhanced restrictions including containment and insurance requirements.
City of San Mateo Dog Breed Restrictions
Some RestrictionsBeekeeping
The City of San Mateo does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance. Beekeeping in residential zones may be subject to nuisance provisions. Contact the Planning Division before installing hives.
City of San Mateo Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
San Mateo follows California CDFW regulations banning many exotic species. Local animal code may restrict wild or dangerous animals. Contact Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA for guidance on specific animals.
City of San Mateo Exotic Pet Rules
Some RestrictionsCDFW Restricted Species Permits (14 CCR § 671 — Detrimental Animals)
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). [...] Animal Care (Detrimental Species): Issued to any resident who has demonstrated the experience and ability to house animals designated as a detrimental species, and who legally possesse...
Wildlife Feeding
Wildlife feeding in San Mateo is discouraged through the city's nuisance provisions and California Fish and Game Code Section 251.1 which prohibits feeding big game mammals. San Mateo County Animal Control handles wildlife complaints. Leaving food that attracts rodents or pest wildlife may be cited as a nuisance.
San Mateo Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCDFW Keep Me Wild — Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit
Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit. Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can occur when humans encounter or interact with wild animals in an unwanted or unsafe way. In California, habitat loss and a changing climate have increased the frequency and type of HWC reported to CDFW. It has become more common for people to be "living with wildlife" as communities grow along the urban-wildlands interface and w...
Looking for San Mateo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Mateo city rules.
Animal Ordinances in San Mateo County →