Breed Restrictions: Fontana vs San Bernardino
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Fontana, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Fontana and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana does not restrict dogs by breed. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 preempts cities from banning specific breeds, so Fontana uses behavior-based dangerous and vicious dog rules from Chapter 4 instead.
View full Fontana rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
California Food and Agricultural Code 31683 preempts breed-specific dog bans. San Bernardino can require spay and neuter for certain breeds but cannot outright ban them.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Ban | Prohibited by CA F and A Code 31683 | - |
| Fontana Code | Chapter 4 Animals behavior-based | - |
| Dangerous Dog | Declared after hearing on incidents | - |
| Typical Conditions | Fence, muzzle, insurance, microchip | - |
| Animal Services | (909) 350-7651 | - |
| State Law | - | CA F&A Code 31683 preempts bans |
| Local Option | - | Spay and neuter or breeder permits allowed |
| Dangerous Dogs | - | Handled by County Animal Control |
| Private Contracts | - | HOA and insurer rules still apply |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Can my landlord refuse a pit bull in Fontana?
Private landlords can set breed restrictions in leases, but cities and HOAs cannot pass breed bans under state law.
What triggers a dangerous dog declaration?
A bite, attack, or a pattern of unprovoked aggressive behavior witnessed and documented. The owner gets a hearing before conditions are imposed.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can San Bernardino ban pit bulls?
No. California Food and Agricultural Code 31683 preempts breed-specific bans, though the city may require spay or neuter for specific breeds.
What is a dangerous dog?
A dog declared dangerous by San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control based on bite history or aggressive behavior, subject to special containment and insurance rules.
Compare other topics
See how Fontana and San Bernardino 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