Animal Ordinances in Westminster, CA (2026)
10 verified animal ordinances for Westminster, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Westminster's Municipal Code (Chapter 6.12) makes it generally unlawful to keep fowl, livestock or other non-household animals on any property in the city unless a permit is obtained from Westminster Animal Control. Keeping chickens is not an automatic backyard right here, and a permit is required first.
Westminster Chickens & Backyard Poultry Rules
Heavy RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
In the City of Westminster, dogs on public property must be restrained by a substantial chain or leash no longer than six feet, held by a competent person. Off-leash use is allowed only where the property owner or operator gives written permission. The rule is in the city's own Municipal Code, Title 6 (Animals).
Westminster Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Westminster does not ban dogs by breed. Instead, its Municipal Code (Chapter 6.10) and California Food & Agricultural Code govern individual dogs declared potentially dangerous or vicious through a hearing. Declared dogs face leash, containment, insurance and signage requirements regardless of breed.
Westminster Dog Breed Restrictions & Dangerous Dogs
Some RestrictionsBeekeeping
Westminster's Municipal Code (Chapter 6.12) lists bees among the animals it is unlawful to keep on any property in the city without a permit from Westminster Animal Control. Beekeeping is not an automatic backyard right here; state apiary registration with the county also applies.
Westminster Beekeeping & Backyard Bees
Heavy RestrictionsExotic Pets
Westminster's Municipal Code (Chapter 6.12) makes it unlawful to keep any wild animal in the city. It lists specific small pets that are allowed, such as hamsters and non-venomous reptiles, and requires a permit for anything otherwise prohibited. California Fish & Game restricted-species law also applies.
Westminster Exotic & Wild Pet Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Westminster's Municipal Code (Chapter 6.12) bans keeping wild animals and requires permits for prohibited animals, and the city addresses nuisance feeding through its animal-control and nuisance authority. California law also makes it illegal to feed big-game wildlife such as deer, bears and coyotes.
Westminster Wildlife & Feral Animal Feeding
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Westminster's Municipal Code (Chapter 6.12) makes it unlawful to keep livestock anywhere in the city without a permit from Westminster Animal Control. As a dense urban Orange County city, horses, cattle, sheep, goats and swine are effectively prohibited on standard residential lots.
Westminster Livestock Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Westminster controls animal hoarding through its household pet-limit rule (Municipal Code Section 6.12.020) and its animal-cruelty and neglect enforcement by Westminster Animal Control. Exceeding three dogs, three cats or six animals total without a permit is the threshold that triggers enforcement.
Westminster Animal Hoarding & Too Many Pets
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
Westminster Municipal Code Section 6.12.020 allows up to three dogs and/or three cats over four months old per household, not exceeding six animals total. Keeping more requires an animal maintenance permit from the Police Department. This is the city's own rule, separate from Orange County.
Westminster Pet Limits (Dogs & Cats Per Home)
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Westminster allows up to three cats over four months old per household under Municipal Code Section 6.12.020, within an overall six-animal cap. The city does not impose a cat leash law, and Westminster Animal Control handles stray and feral cats. California does not require cat licensing statewide.
Westminster Cat Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Westminster city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Orange County →