Pet Limits: San Diego vs San Marcos
How do pet limits rules compare between San Diego, CA and San Marcos, CA?
San Marcos has fewer restrictions than San Diego.
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 →San Marcos, CA
San Diego County
Unincorporated San Diego County sets no household cat limit. For dogs, keeping seven or more dogs at least four months old makes a property a 'kennel' (County Code 62.602(x)), which requires a kennel license. Up to six dogs and any number of cats are accessory uses under the Zoning Ordinance.
View full San Marcos rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Diego | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Cat limit (household) | - | None in unincorporated San Diego County |
| Kennel threshold | - | 7 or more dogs at least 4 months old (County Code 62.602(x)) |
| Dogs without kennel license | - | Up to six (accessory use) |
| Dogs/cats below kennel | - | Accessory use, plus up to 2 pot-belly pigs (Zoning Sec. 3100 Note 1) |
| Kennel license | - | Required from Dept. of Animal Services (62.641) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
San Marcos FAQ
How many dogs can I have before I need a kennel license?
Up to six. Under County Code section 62.602(x), keeping seven or more dogs at least four months old makes the property a 'kennel,' which requires a kennel license from the Department of Animal Services and must meet kennel operating standards.
Is there a limit on the number of cats?
The County Code sets no household cat limit, and there is no separate 'cattery' definition. Cats not constituting a kennel are accessory uses under Zoning Ordinance Animal Schedule Note 1. Owners must still keep premises sanitary (section 62.668) and avoid creating a public nuisance.
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