Animal Ordinances in Visalia, CA (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Visalia, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Under Visalia Municipal Code section 17.12.020, livestock keeping (excluding pigs) is permitted in the R-1-20 zone subject to a cap of two cows, two horses, four sheep, or four goats per site on smaller parcels; keeping is generally not allowed in standard residential zones, and the Visalia City Council declined to expand backyard-chicken allowances in May 2023.
Livestock allowed in R-1-20 zone only; limited to 2 cows, 2 horses, 4 sheep, or 4 goats
Heavy RestrictionsVisalia Municipal Code § 17.12.020 (R-1-20 zone, livestock provision)
In the R-1-20 zone only, the raising of livestock, except pigs of any kind, subject to the exception of not more than two cows, two horses, four sheep or four goats for each site.
Dog Leash Laws
Visalia requires dogs to be on a leash or under direct control when off the owner's property. Dogs running at large are subject to impoundment.
Visalia Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Visalia has no breed-specific dog ordinance because California Food and Agricultural Code section 31683 prohibits cities from regulating any specific dog breed under their dangerous-dog programs; the only narrow exception, in Health and Safety Code section 122331, permits breed-specific mandatory spay-or-neuter and breeding-permit programs (which Visalia has not enacted).
No breed bans in Visalia; CA Food & Ag Code 31683 preempts BSL
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Food and Agricultural Code § 31683
Cities and counties may enact dog control ordinances that are more restrictive than this division. The ordinances may regulate any dogs whether or not the dogs have been found to be potentially dangerous or vicious. No program regulating any dog shall be specific as to breed. However, this section shall not be construed to prohibit a city or county from adopting an ordinance under Section 12233...
Beekeeping
Visalia allows beekeeping subject to conditions on hive placement and management. Bees must not create a nuisance for neighbors.
Visalia Beekeeping Regulations
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Visalia and California state law restrict ownership of many exotic animals. Permits are required for certain species and many dangerous wild animals are prohibited.
Visalia Exotic Pet Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Visalia's official Animal Services Licensing page requires every dog and cat over four months of age residing in the city to be licensed but does not publish a numeric per-household pet limit; California Food and Agricultural Code section 30951 establishes the underlying state license/identification requirement.
All dogs and cats over 4 months must be licensed; no published numeric cap
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Food and Agricultural Code § 30951
It is unlawful for any person to own, harbor, or keep any dog over the age of four months, unless the dog wears a substantial collar on which one of the following is fastened: (a) A metallic tag on which is plainly printed or engraved the name and post office address of the owner. (b) A metal license tag issued by any city, city and county, or county for purposes of identification.
Looking for Tulare County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Visalia city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Tulare County →