Pet Limits: Costa Mesa vs Fullerton
How do pet limits rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Fullerton, CA?
Costa Mesa and Fullerton have similar restriction levels.
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 →Fullerton, 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 Fullerton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Trigger | 4+ dogs or 4+ cats over 4 months (OCCO 4-1-76) | 4+ dogs or 4+ cats over 4 months (OCCO 4-1-76) |
| No-Permit Limit | Up to 3 dogs and 3 cats | Up to 3 dogs and 3 cats |
| Permit Renewal | Annual, via OC Animal Care | Annual, via OC Animal Care |
| Dog License | Required at 4 months (OCCO 4-1-70) | Required at 4 months (OCCO 4-1-70) |
| Cat License | Optional (OCCO 4-1-85) | Optional (OCCO 4-1-85) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Fullerton 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.
Compare other topics
See how Costa Mesa and Fullerton compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool