Pet Limits: San Francisco vs San Jose
How do pet limits rules compare between San Francisco, CA and San Jose, CA?
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco County
No data available yet for San Francisco.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
SJMC section 6.04.075 caps San Jose households at four dogs and six cats over four months old. Litters and short-term fosters can be exempt under specified conditions. Animal Care and Services issues kennel permits for households exceeding the cap, subject to zoning and welfare standards.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Francisco | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | - | SJMC 6.04.075 |
| Dog limit | - | Four over four months |
| Cat limit | - | Six over four months |
| Excess | - | Requires kennel permit |
| Zoning overlay | - | SJMC Title 20 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Francisco FAQ
No FAQs available.
San Jose FAQ
How many pets can I keep at home in San Jose?
Up to four dogs and six cats over four months old per household under SJMC 6.04.075. Younger litters and short-term fosters from registered rescues are addressed separately, and HOAs or landlords may set lower caps.
What if I want more pets than the cap?
Apply for a kennel permit through San Jose Animal Care and Services. The permit considers zoning under Title 20, sanitation, noise, and animal welfare standards, and neighbors may comment before approval.
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