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Modesto, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Barking dog rules in Modesto, 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

Animal Noise Rule
Modesto MC § 4-9.103(e)
Covers
Dogs, cats, other animals and fowl
Acts Covered
Howling, yelping, whining, barking
Test
'Loud and raucous' factor test (§ 4-9.102)

Summary

Owning, keeping, or harboring any dog, cat, or other animal or fowl that howls, yelps, whines, or barks in a loud and raucous manner is a public nuisance in Modesto.

The owning, possessing, controlling, harboring, or keeping of any dog, cat, or other animal or fowl which by howling, yelping, whining, barking, or otherwise causes a loud and raucous noise.

Source: Modesto Municipal CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Modesto Municipal Code § 4-9.103(e) lists as a prohibited public nuisance 'the owning, possessing, controlling, harboring, or keeping of any dog, cat, or other animal or fowl which by howling, yelping, whining, barking, or otherwise causes a loud and raucous noise.' Modesto does not codify a specific minute-count test (such as 30-minute continuous or 60-minute intermittent) in Chapter 9 itself; instead, the § 4-9.102 'reasonable person' factor test applies: officers weigh the noise's volume, duration, time of day, proximity to sleeping facilities, and whether it is recurrent, intermittent, or constant. Animal-noise complaints are typically handled by Stanislaus Animal Services in coordination with Modesto Police Code Enforcement.

Violations & Fines

The owner, possessor, harborer, or keeper of the animal is liable under § 4-9.105 even if not personally making the noise. Repeated barking complaints can lead to citations and abatement orders; under Stanislaus County's animal-control framework, dogs may also be subject to nuisance-animal declarations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a dog have to bark before it's a violation in Modesto?
Chapter 9 does not set a minute-count threshold. Section 4-9.102 directs officers to consider duration, time of day, recurrence, and proximity to sleeping areas when deciding whether the barking is 'loud and raucous.' Sustained or repeated overnight barking is the typical fact pattern that supports a citation.
Can my landlord be cited for my dog barking?
Section 4-9.105 makes any owner, agent, manager, or supervisor who 'allows' the prohibited noise liable along with the animal's owner.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Modesto

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSignificant RestrictionsAircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsSign Regulations: Freeway-Facing SignsSignificant RestrictionsSign Regulations: Window SignsSome Restrictions

All Modesto rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Modesto to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview

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