Animal Ordinances in Alameda County, CA (2026)

6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in Alameda County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Alameda County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Chickens & Livestock

Alameda County unincorporated areas generally allow chickens on residential parcels with setback requirements. Roosters and larger livestock are limited to agricultural zones. Minimum lot sizes apply for multiple animals.

Backyard Chickens and Livestock in Alameda County

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Dog Leash Laws

Alameda County requires dogs to be leashed in all public places including streets, sidewalks, and parks, except in designated off-leash areas. Leash length is limited and owners must maintain control at all times.

Dog Leash Laws in Alameda County

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Breed Restrictions

Alameda County does not impose breed-specific bans. California Food and Agricultural Code 31683 preempts local breed discrimination in licensing and ownership, though mandatory spay/neuter for specific breeds is permitted.

Dog Breed Restrictions in Alameda County

Few Restrictions

California Food & Agricultural Code § 31683

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a city or county from adopting or enforcing its own program for the control of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs that may incorporate all, part, or none of this chapter, or that may punish a violation of this chapter as a misdemeanor or may impose a more restrictive program to control potentially dangerous or vicious dogs. Except as prov...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is permitted in most Alameda County zones with setback and hive-count limits. Keepers must register with the County Agricultural Commissioner under CA Food and Agricultural Code 29040.

Beekeeping in Alameda County

Some Restrictions

California Food & Agricultural Code § 29040

Every person that is the owner, broker, or is in possession of an apiary that is located within the state, on the first day of January of each year, shall register the number of colonies in each apiary that is owned or possessed by the person and the location of each apiary. Every person required to register under this article, shall do so on the first day of January of each year in which they ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Wildlife Feeding

Alameda County prohibits the intentional feeding of deer, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, bears, and other wildlife. Violations are a public nuisance and can trigger fines. Songbird feeders are generally allowed.

Wildlife Feeding Rules in Alameda County

Heavy Restrictions

California Department of Fish and Wildlife — Keep Me Wild

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can occur when humans encounter or interact with wild animals in an unwanted or unsafe way. In California, habitat loss and a changing climate have increased the frequency and type of HWC reported to CDFW. It has become more common for people to be "living with wildlife" as communities grow along the urban-wildlands interface and wildlife look for limited resources...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Livestock

Cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and swine are permitted on Alameda County Agricultural (A) and Rural Agricultural (RA) zoned parcels with minimum acreage requirements. Livestock are generally prohibited on R-1 lots.