Animal Hoarding: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do animal hoarding rules compare between Redwood City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Redwood City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
Unincorporated San Mateo County has no separate 'hoarding' ordinance, but its permit tiers cap how many animals a household may keep and its animal-care standard prohibits neglect. Keeping animals without proper food, water, shelter, or care violates the County Code, and severe neglect is a crime under California Penal Code Section 597.
View full Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
Unincorporated San Mateo County has no separate 'hoarding' ordinance, but its permit tiers cap how many animals a household may keep and its animal-care standard prohibits neglect. Keeping animals without proper food, water, shelter, or care violates the County Code, and severe neglect is a crime under California Penal Code Section 597.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated hoarding ordinance | None; handled via permit limits, care standard, and state cruelty law | None; handled via permit limits, care standard, and state cruelty law |
| Permit limits | Up to 10 animals (fanciers permit); more than 10 (kennel/cattery) | Up to 10 animals (fanciers permit); more than 10 (kennel/cattery) |
| Care standard | Proper food, water, shelter, care required (Section 6.04.070(d)) | Proper food, water, shelter, care required (Section 6.04.070(d)) |
| Permit revocation | For inhumane treatment or failure to provide care (Section 6.16.070) | For inhumane treatment or failure to provide care (Section 6.16.070) |
| State crime | Animal neglect/cruelty under CA Penal Code Section 597 | Animal neglect/cruelty under CA Penal Code Section 597 |
| Report to | Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA | Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City FAQ
Is animal hoarding illegal in unincorporated San Mateo County?
There is no separate hoarding ordinance, but the County limits how many animals you may keep (an animal fanciers permit up to ten, a kennel/cattery permit for more than ten) and requires proper food, water, shelter, and care under Section 6.04.070(d). Serious neglect is a crime under California Penal Code Section 597.
How do I report suspected animal neglect or hoarding?
Report it to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, the County's contracted animal control agency, which investigates neglect and can pursue criminal charges when owners fail to provide proper and adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care. Severe cases are prosecuted under California Penal Code Section 597.
San Mateo FAQ
Is animal hoarding illegal in unincorporated San Mateo County?
There is no separate hoarding ordinance, but the County limits how many animals you may keep (an animal fanciers permit up to ten, a kennel/cattery permit for more than ten) and requires proper food, water, shelter, and care under Section 6.04.070(d). Serious neglect is a crime under California Penal Code Section 597.
How do I report suspected animal neglect or hoarding?
Report it to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, the County's contracted animal control agency, which investigates neglect and can pursue criminal charges when owners fail to provide proper and adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care. Severe cases are prosecuted under California Penal Code Section 597.
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