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πŸ” Animal Ordinances/Pet Limits

Anaheim vs Santa Ana

How do pet limits rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Santa Ana, CA?

Anaheim and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.

Anaheim, CA

Orange County

Some Restrictions

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 β†’

Santa Ana, CA

Orange County

Some Restrictions

Santa Ana caps the number of dogs and cats at most residences to prevent kennel-like conditions. SAMC Chapter 6 generally limits households to a small number of each species, with kennel permits required when limits are exceeded for breeding or boarding.

View full Santa Ana rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactAnaheimSanta Ana
Dog limitFour mature dogs-
Cat limitFour mature cats-
Above limitKennel/cattery permit-
Code referenceAMC Title 6 + Title 18-
Code chapter-SAMC Chapter 6
Animals counted-Dogs and cats over 4 months
Over the limit-Kennel permit required
Zoning-Title 41 standards apply

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.

Santa Ana FAQ

Do puppies count toward the limit?

Puppies and kittens under four months old typically do not count, giving breeders and foster homes a short window before they must rehome or seek a permit.

What about service animals?

Service animals trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability are protected under the ADA and California law, but emotional support animals are not exempt from local pet limits.

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