Animal Ordinances in Visalia, CA (2026)
7 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
Light 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
Dogs must be on a leash of no more than 6 feet in all park areas outside of designated off-leash zones. Within off-leash areas, dogs still must wear a collar with ID tags at all times.
Animals: Dog Leash Laws
Light RestrictionsVisalia Municipal Code §§ 12.32.155(C), 12.34.030
12.32.155 Animals in city parks. A. It is unlawful for any person to bring, have, allow, or free any animal within the perimeter of any public park/recreation area... except: ... 3. When dogs or other permitted animals are restrained by leash or similar device... C. A dog may be released from its leash only within the confines of a designated off-leash area. The owner and animal must comply wit...
Breed 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
Some 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
Beekeeping requires a conditional use permit in Visalia's Agricultural and Open Space zones and is not listed as a permitted or conditional use in residential zones.
Animals: Beekeeping
Some RestrictionsVisalia Municipal Code §§ 17.08.040(C) and 17.04.030
17.08.040 Conditional uses. The following uses may be permitted, subject to approval of a conditional use permit, issued in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 17.38: ... C. Bee keeping; 17.04.030 Definitions. "Household pets" means animals or birds ordinarily permitted in a dwelling and kept only for the company or pleasure provided to the occupants. Household pets shall...
Exotic Pets
Keeping wild or exotic animals as pets or for display is prohibited in Visalia. The only exceptions are licensed zoos, circuses, commercial animal establishments, and theatrical exhibits.
Animals: Exotic Pets
Some RestrictionsVisalia Municipal Code § 6.04.010; § 6.08.020
"Exotic animal" means any animal, either wild or domesticated belonging by nature or origin to another part of the world. "Wild animal" means any nondomesticated animal living in a feral state. [§ 6.04.010] No persons shall keep or permit to be kept on their premises any wild, exotic, or vicious animal for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee. This section shal...
Pet 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.
Cat Rules
Unlike dogs, cats that are spayed/neutered or currently licensed by the City of Visalia are allowed to roam freely off their owner's property. Unaltered, unlicensed cats that run at large can be impounded and, at the Poundmaster's discretion, taken for spay/neuter and then released where they were found.
Animals: Cat Rules
Light RestrictionsVisalia Municipal Code § 6.08.020; § 6.08.030
No person shall allow or permit any animal (except that are spayed or neutered or currently licensed by the City of Visalia cats) to run at large, or be pastured, herded, staked, or tied in or on any public alley, street sidewalk, vacant lot, school grounds, or other public place belonging to or under the control of the city or in such a way as to trespass in any manner upon any of the aforesai...
Looking for Tulare County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Visalia city rules.
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