16 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 19 cities in Los Angeles County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Livestock and poultry keeping in unincorporated LA County is regulated by Title 10 (Animals) and Title 22 (Zoning). Roosters are restricted under LA County Code Chapter 10.38. Livestock keeping depends heavily on the zoning district. Animal keeping standards include setbacks from neighboring properties.
Dogs must be restrained at all times when off the owner's property in unincorporated LA County under Title 10. Leash requirements apply in all public areas including parks. LA County Animal Care & Control enforces at-large violations with escalating fines.
LA County Animal Control (Title 10) uses behavior-based dangerous dog determinations rather than breed-specific bans. California prohibits breed-specific legislation except for spay/neuter programs. Potentially dangerous and vicious dog designations follow specific statutory procedures.
California Food and Agricultural Code Sec. 31683 (Prohibition on Breed-Specific Dog Regulation)
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 ...
LA County Code Title 10, Division 3, Chapter 10.76 regulates beekeeping in unincorporated areas. Apiaries must be registered with the LA County Agricultural Commissioner. Hive setback requirements and colony limits apply based on lot size.
LA County Code Title 10, Section 10.28.060 requires a license to keep wild animals in unincorporated areas. Many exotic species are prohibited entirely. California Fish and Game Code further restricts ownership of non-native wildlife.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife โ Restricted Species Permits (14 CCR Sec. 671)
Restricted Species Permits are required for every person who imports, exports, transports, or possesses any restricted animal listed in Section 671(c), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). ... Issued to any resident who has demonstrated the experience and ability to house animals designated as a detrimental species, and who legally possessed the animal in California prior to J...
Feeding wildlife in unincorporated LA County is discouraged and may violate nuisance provisions. CDFW regulations prohibit feeding certain species. The county's large unincorporated areas include wildlife corridors where feeding attracts coyotes, bears, and mountain lions near communities like Altadena and Topanga.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife โ Keep Me Wild / Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit
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...
LA County Title 10.20.220 caps three dogs and five cats at unincorporated single-family lots without a kennel permit. DACC and the Sheriff investigate hoarding cases as cruelty under California Penal Code ยง597, with seizure and prosecution.
LA County Title 10.20.220 caps unincorporated single-family residences at three dogs over four months and five cats without a kennel or cattery permit. Higher counts require DACC permitting and zoning compatibility under Title 22.
LA County Title 10.32 covers cat care and Title 10.20.060 mandates rabies vaccination for cats over four months. DACC supports trap-neuter-return for managed feral colonies; outdoor cats remain owners' responsibility for damage and wildlife harm.
LA County Title 10.20.350 requires all dogs and cats over four months in unincorporated areas to be spayed or neutered, with narrow exceptions for licensed breeders, show animals, and medical waivers documented by a veterinarian.
LA County Title 10.20.355 requires microchipping for all dogs and cats released from shelters and, by recent expansion, for any dog or cat receiving a county license. DACC scans every impounded animal for owner reunification.
DACC's 2017 Coyote Management Plan emphasizes coexistence, hazing, and attractant removal over lethal control. LACO Title 10.84.010 bans intentional feeding of coyotes and other wildlife in unincorporated areas, with citations and escalating fines for violations.
LA County Title 10.92 prohibits retail pet stores in unincorporated areas from selling dogs or cats unless sourced from shelters or registered nonprofit rescues. The 2017 county rule preceded California AB-485, which now applies statewide.
Pet groomers in unincorporated LA County must hold a Department of Public Health animal-facility permit under LACO Title 11 and a Title 7.62 business license. Mobile groomers face the same rules plus vehicle and wastewater requirements.
LA County Title 22.140.220 lets veterinary clinics operate by right in commercial zones C-1, C-2, and C-3, with conditions covering noise, kenneling overnight, and outdoor runs. Heavier animal hospitals may require a conditional use permit.
California Fish & Game Code ยง3503 to ยง3516 protect native birds, nests, and eggs, including raptors and migratory species. LA County Title 10.84 layers a wildlife harm and feeding ban for unincorporated areas, with DACC and CDFW enforcement.
19 cities in Los Angeles County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
16 verified rules โข Animal Hoarding, Beekeeping
12 verified rules โข Animal Hoarding, Beekeeping
6 verified rules โข Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
6 verified rules โข Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
6 verified rules โข Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
6 verified rules โข Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
6 verified rules โข Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
7 verified rules โข Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
6 verified rules โข Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
6 verified rules โข Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
6 verified rules โข Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
6 verified rules โข Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
6 verified rules โข Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
6 verified rules โข Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
2 verified rules โข Chickens & Livestock, Dog Leash Laws
6 verified rules โข Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
6 verified rules โข Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
6 verified rules โข Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
6 verified rules โข Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
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