Pet Limits: Burbank vs Downey
How do pet limits rules compare between Burbank, CA and Downey, CA?
Burbank and Downey have similar restriction levels.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Under the Burbank Municipal Code, any premises keeping five or more dogs, cats, or a combination of them aged four months or older is a 'kennel' and requires a kennel permit. Fewer than five pets needs no kennel license.
View full Burbank rules →Downey, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Title 10.20.220 caps unincorporated single-family residences at three dogs over four months and five cats without a kennel or cattery permit. Higher counts require DACC permitting and zoning compatibility under Title 22.
View full Downey rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Kennel Threshold | 5 or more dogs/cats | - |
| Code Section | BMC 5-1-100 (definitions) | - |
| Age Counted | 4 months and older | - |
| Dog limit | - | Three over four months |
| Cat limit | - | Five per residence |
| Code section | - | LACO Title 10.20.220 |
| Permit option | - | Kennel or cattery permit |
| Zoning overlay | - | LACO Title 22 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank FAQ
How many dogs or cats can I keep in Burbank without a permit?
Up to four dogs and/or cats four months of age or older. Keeping five or more makes the premises a 'kennel' under BMC 5-1-100, which requires a kennel permit.
Do puppies and kittens count toward the limit?
The kennel definition counts dogs and cats 'four (4) months of age or over,' so animals under four months are not counted toward the five-animal kennel threshold.
Downey FAQ
Can I have more than three dogs with a kennel permit?
Yes. DACC issues kennel permits for higher counts, subject to zoning under Title 22, neighbor notice, and inspection. Most residential zones still cap kennels well below commercial-scale operations.
Do these limits apply to puppies and kittens?
Limits count animals over four months. Litters under four months do not count, but once they hit the age threshold, owners must rehome, sterilize and license, or apply for a kennel or cattery permit.
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