Pet Limits: Los Angeles vs San Diego
How do pet limits rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA?
Los Angeles and San Diego have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles rules →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
SDMC §44 limits a residence to a combined total of six dogs and cats over four months old. Owners exceeding the cap must obtain a kennel or cattery permit through zoning review, with stricter rules in higher-density and multifamily zones.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Combined cap | - | Six dogs and cats |
| Age threshold | - | Over four months counted |
| Permit pathway | - | Kennel/cattery permit |
| Zoning code | - | SDMC Chapter 14 |
| Enforcement | - | Animal Services and zoning |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles 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.
San Diego FAQ
How many dogs can I have in San Diego?
A residence may keep up to six dogs and cats combined over four months old. More than six requires a kennel permit, which involves zoning review, neighbor notice, and sanitation standards under SDMC Chapter 14.
Do puppies count toward the limit?
Not until they reach four months old. Puppies and kittens under four months do not count, but at four months the litter triggers licensing and counts against the household cap.
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