Animal Ordinances in Imperial County, CA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Imperial County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Imperial County's R-1 zone caps backyard chickens, rabbits and birds at five total per lot for hobby use in enclosed structures, with separate acreage rules for larger livestock.
Imperial County R-1 Backyard Fowl Limits
Some RestrictionsImperial County Code § 90502.13 (Title 9, Land Use Ordinance, Division 5, Chapter 2)
The breeding, keeping or maintaining of large or medium size animals is strictly prohibited, except as follows: A.R-1 lots greater than one-half but less than one acre net may keep two medium animals per acre provided the separation distances under Section 90502.08 can be achieved.B.R-1 lots greater than three-quarter acre net may keep and maintain one large animal per three-quarter acre up ...
Dog Leash Laws
Imperial County bans dogs running at large in the unincorporated area; off the owner's own premises a dog must be on a leash or confined in a vehicle, cage or enclosure unless it's under direct sight-and-voice control on private property.
Imperial County Dog Leash Requirement
Some RestrictionsImperial County Code §§ 6.08.120, 6.08.150
Any dog, outside the premises of its owner and not coming within the provisions of either Section 6.08.130, shall be restrained by a leash or be confined in a vehicle, cage, or enclosure.
Breed Restrictions
Imperial County has no breed ban: dangerous-animal rules under Chapter 6.16 turn on an animal's conduct, not its breed, and let the county issue a restraint order once an animal has attacked, bitten or menaced a person or animal.
Imperial County Dangerous Animal Declaration
Significant RestrictionsImperial County Code § 6.16.030
If a county officer has cause to believe that an animal is a potentially dangerous animal, the animal control officer shall issue a potentially dangerous animal restraint order to the owner(s) or custodian(s) of any such dog or animal that fits the description of a potentially dangerous animal.
Cat Rules
Imperial County doesn't license cats, but officers may capture any cat found running at large in the unincorporated area and are authorized to destroy it if judged necessary for public health and safety.
Imperial County At-Large Cat Rules
Significant RestrictionsImperial County Code § 6.04.080
It is made the duty of all such officers and persons to capture and hold for further action by the county health officer or the county veterinarian all dogs or cats found running at large upon the public highways, lands, places or streets in the unincorporated territory of the county of Imperial in violation of the provisions of this title; and said officers and persons hereinabove mentioned ar...
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