Los Angeles, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Los Angeles, CA, also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances, define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Written complaint from a neighbor
- First response
- Written notice to dog owner requesting abatement
- Second complaint
- Must come from an additional neighbor within 15 days
- Hearing authority
- Department of Animal Services hearing examiner under § 53.18.5
- Post-revocation penalty
- 1-year ban on owning any dog
- Exemption
- Commercial animal establishments permitted by zoning; guard dogs in M1/M2/MR1/MR2 zones in compliance with §§ 53.64 and 53.66
Summary
Los Angeles prohibits dog owners from allowing excessive barking after a written notice from the Department of Animal Services, using a formal two-complaint process that can lead to a hearing and license revocation.
It shall be unlawful for any person (hereinafter in this section referred to as the owner) to permit any dog or dogs under the person's charge, care, custody or control to emit any excessive noise after the Department has issued a written notice to the owner of the dog or dogs emitting the alleged excessive noise and after the procedures as set forth below have been followed. For purposes of this section, the term "excessive noise" shall mean noise which is unreasonably annoying, disturbing, offensive, or which unreasonably interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property of one or more persons occupying property in the community or neighborhood, within reasonable proximity to the property where the dog or dogs are kept. Factors that the Department may use to determine whether the barking is excessive may include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) the nature, frequency and volume of the noise; (ii) the tone and repetitiveness; (iii) the time of day or night; (iv) the distance from the complaining or affected party or parties; (v) the number of neighbors affected by or complaining about the noise; (vi) any other relevant evidence demonstrating that the barking is unduly disruptive; and (vii) whether the dog is being provoked.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 53.63 defines 'excessive noise' as noise that is unreasonably annoying, disturbing, or interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property of nearby residents, considering factors including frequency, volume, time of day, number of affected neighbors, and whether the dog was provoked. Enforcement is complaint-driven: a first written complaint triggers a written notice to the owner. A second complaint (within 15 days) from an additional neighbor requires the parties to appear before a Department representative; if unresolved, the matter goes to a formal hearing under § 53.18.5. The hearing can result in license conditions, restrictions, or revocation. Upon revocation, the owner loses the right to own any dog for 1 year.
Violations & Fines
After notice and hearing, the Department may impose conditions on the dog license, revoke it, and order the dog surrendered or removed from the City. License revocation results in a 1-year bar on owning any dog. Failure to surrender an impounded dog is a misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file a barking dog complaint in LA?
What happens if a second neighbor also complains about my dog's barking?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Barking Dogs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle barking dogs.