Animal Ordinances in Union City, CA (2026)
10 verified animal ordinances for Union City, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Union City has no dedicated backyard-hen permit, but keeping poultry and livestock is governed by the Title 18 zoning code, which confines farm animals largely to the Agricultural (A) District. Barnyard animals and poultry are prohibited inside mobilehome parks.
Union City Chicken & Livestock Rules (Code Title 18)
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Union City Municipal Code Chapter 8.22 requires dogs off the owner's property to be restrained by a substantial leash no longer than six feet, held by a competent person. Enforcement and sheltering are handled through the Fremont-run Tri-City Animal Shelter.
Union City Dog Leash Laws (Municipal Code 8.22)
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Union City does not ban or restrict any dog breed. California Food and Agricultural Code section 31683 preempts breed-specific bans, so the city instead regulates individual dogs through its vicious-dog abatement chapter regardless of breed.
Union City Dog Breed Restrictions (State Preemption)
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Union City has no standalone beekeeping ordinance in its animal code. Apiaries are treated as an agricultural use governed by the Title 18 zoning code and by general nuisance rules, and beekeepers must also register hives with the Alameda County Agricultural Commissioner under state law.
Union City Beekeeping Rules (Municipal & Zoning Code)
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Union City Municipal Code Chapter 8.20 prohibits owning or keeping any exotic animal without a permit issued by the city. Exotic animals such as venomous snakes, alligators, hawks, and tigers are fully defined in section 8.20.010, and California also independently restricts many wild species.
Union City Exotic Pet Permit (Municipal Code 8.20)
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Union City has no dedicated wildlife-feeding ordinance, but feeding that attracts pests is abatable as a public nuisance, and Police Policy 817 routes wildlife and vector complaints to Alameda County Vector Control. Injured wildlife is referred to the Ohlone Humane Society.
Union City Wildlife Feeding & Nuisance Rules
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Union City regulates livestock through its Title 18 zoning code rather than a single livestock ordinance. Farm animals are principally allowed in the Agricultural (A) District, and the code separately bars barnyard animals within mobilehome parks. Nuisance and sanitation rules also apply.
Union City Livestock Keeping Rules (Zoning Code)
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Union City has no ordinance using the term hoarding, but its two-dog limit, Animal Fancier Permit, vicious-dog chapter, and nuisance and cruelty laws together control excessive or neglected animal-keeping. State Penal Code 597 cruelty law also applies and is enforced by police.
Union City Animal Hoarding & Limits (Code 8.22)
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
Union City Municipal Code section 8.22.020 limits households to no more than two adult dogs unless an Animal Fancier Permit is obtained from the City Manager. The two-dog limit took effect January 15, 1987, and there is no published cap on the number of cats.
Union City Pet Limits & Fancier Permit (Code 8.22)
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Union City does not subject cats to its leash law and does not impound stray cats. The animal code sets no numeric cat limit and no mandatory cat license, though general nuisance, rabies, and dangerous-animal rules still apply to cat owners.
Union City Cat Rules (Municipal Code & Licensing)
Few RestrictionsLooking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Union City city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Alameda County →