6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in San Joaquin County, California.
Verified from official government sources
San Joaquin County is heavily agricultural, and livestock is broadly permitted. Chickens (including roosters), goats, horses, and cattle are allowed as-of-right in AG, AU, and AG-80 zones on appropriate lot sizes. Residential zones (R-R, R-L) allow limited poultry with coop setbacks; the Right to Farm Act (Civil Code §3482.5) protects existing ag operations from nuisance complaints.
San Joaquin County Code Title 4, Division 9 prohibits dogs from running at large on public property. Dogs must be restrained by a leash on public property and confined on private property by a fence, structure, or leash. Dog licensing required annually under County Ordinance 6-1005.
San Joaquin County does not have breed-specific legislation. California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 prohibits breed-specific ordinances. Dangerous dogs are regulated based on behavior under SJC Animal Services ordinances regardless of breed.
San Joaquin County regulates beekeeping through general nuisance provisions and requires colony registration with the County Agricultural Commissioner. Beekeeping is subject to agricultural zoning rules in Development Title 9. Contact Agricultural Commissioner at (209) 953-6000.
California Fish & Game Code §2116 prohibits most wild and exotic animals statewide. San Joaquin County's animal services ordinances further address dangerous animals. Most non-domestic wildlife — big cats, bears, wolves, venomous reptiles, primates — are prohibited.
San Joaquin County prohibits intentional feeding of wild mammals and unsecured outdoor pet food that attracts wildlife under Development Title nuisance provisions. California Fish & Game Code §251.3 makes it unlawful to harass or feed deer, elk, or bear statewide. The Delta, Lodi, and Mountain House regions have coyote, raccoon, and turkey vulture activity that the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) actively monitors.
4 cities in San Joaquin County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for San Joaquin County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
San Joaquin County Ordinance Hub →