Pet Limits: Anaheim vs Costa Mesa
How do pet limits rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Costa Mesa, CA?
Anaheim and Costa Mesa have similar restriction levels.
Anaheim, CA
Orange County
Anaheim Municipal Code Title 6 generally limits households to four dogs and four cats over four months old, with additional animals requiring a kennel or cattery permit through Planning and OC Animal Care.
View full Anaheim rules →Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Under OCCO 4-1-76, anyone in unincorporated Orange County who keeps four or more dogs or four or more cats over four months of age must obtain an annual Animal Permit from OC Animal Care. Up to three dogs and three cats may be kept without it. All dogs four months and older must be licensed (OCCO 4-1-70).
View full Costa Mesa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Dog limit | Four mature dogs | - |
| Cat limit | Four mature cats | - |
| Above limit | Kennel/cattery permit | - |
| Code reference | AMC Title 6 + Title 18 | - |
| Permit Trigger | - | 4+ dogs or 4+ cats over 4 months (OCCO 4-1-76) |
| No-Permit Limit | - | Up to 3 dogs and 3 cats |
| Permit Renewal | - | Annual, via OC Animal Care |
| Dog License | - | Required at 4 months (OCCO 4-1-70) |
| Cat License | - | Optional (OCCO 4-1-85) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anaheim FAQ
How many dogs can I have in Anaheim?
Up to four dogs over four months old without a permit. More requires a kennel permit through Planning and OC Animal Care.
Do puppies count toward the limit?
No. Animals under four months are typically not counted, but litters cannot be held indefinitely without a breeder or kennel permit.
Costa Mesa FAQ
How many dogs and cats can I have in unincorporated Orange County without a permit?
Up to three dogs and three cats over four months of age. Under OCCO 4-1-76, once you own four or more dogs or four or more cats over four months old, you must obtain an annual Animal Permit from OC Animal Care.
Do I have to license my cat in Orange County?
No. Cat licensing is optional under OCCO 4-1-85. Dogs are different: OCCO 4-1-70 requires every dog four months or older to have an Orange County dog license, and OCCO 4-1-71 requires the dog to wear its current license tag at all times.
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