Who knew too much cuteness was a crime? Unfortunately, having over a certain number of cuddly companions can actually result in serious repercussions. In Orange County, each city has its own rules limiting the number of pets every household can have. So for the self-proclaimed cat ladies or dog whisperers, it may be a good idea to check your city’s ordinances about pets to avoid getting into trouble. There are tons of rules for both domestic and exotic animals that range from pet restrictions on dogs to walking catfish.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of pet restrictions in popular cities around Orange County and how you can work with them if you just can’t seem to part with all your precious pets.
Anaheim
As local residents ourselves, we’re quite familiar with pet rules and regulations in Anaheim at Brookhurst Animal. Let us break it down for you:
- No more than 3 adult dogs or 3 adult cats in each household
- Only 1 bird, poultry, rabbit or rodent is allowed per 1800 square feet of property
- Only 1 pig is allowed per residence
- Dogs and cats over 4 months old are required to have a license
- No peacocks or roosters allowed
If you have more than 3 adult dogs or cats, don’t panic. It’s still possible to keep them all by applying for a special permit from the city. As for other exotic pets like reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals, owners are required to get their animals licensed.
Costa Mesa
Like Anaheim, Costa Mesa has similar rules regarding pet ownership which you can read more about in their city ordinance. Here’s what you should know:
- No more than 5 grown (4+ months old) pets in one household
- All livestock are prohibited without a special animal permit
- All pets should be licensed (learn more here)
- No beekeeping without adequate permission from the city
Fullerton
The city of Fullerton has an extensive set of rules for its residents. We’ve summarized the most basic parts below, but you can check out the full list here.
- No walking catfish or piranha allowed
- No more than 4 pets per household in single-family homes with a maximum of 3 dogs
- No more than 2 cats or dogs per apartment, condominium, duplex or mobile home in any combination
- No wild animals except for some birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, white rats or mice, nonpoisonous snakes less than 6 feet long, turtles, nonpoisonous toads, lizards, salamanders, newts, chameleons, and kangaroo rats
- No more than 2 adult horses, cattle, or sheep are allowed for every 33,000 square feet of land
If you want to adopt a few more pets, you might be able to with enough extra land. Some animals need more space to comfortably exercise and it’s courteous to neighbors who may not want to hear or smell your pets.
Garden Grove
- Only 4 dogs, cats, birds, or other household pets in any combination allowed at each household
- No more than 10 parakeets permitted on any premise
- No more than 10 racing pigeons permitted on any premise
One requirement for all these cities in Orange County have is to maintain proper care of your pets. Regardless of how many you own, the most important aspect of owning pets is keeping them healthy and happy. This includes proper food, exercise, equipment, and wellness exams. If you’re looking for an experienced clinic, our vet in Anaheim at Brookhurst Animal Medical Center is available to help you and your pets.
Although these rules may seem inconvenient to pet owners in Orange County, they are in place for good reason! Having certain exotic pets can be a huge threat to the native species and they can seriously damage natural ecosystems. While some adjust well to domestic living like guinea pigs and a few reptiles, others may have natural behaviors that can be difficult to handle and even dangerous for their owners. Limiting the number of pets per household also helps control pet waste and noise in the city. Though it’s difficult to resist the temptation of rescuing the neighborhood stray, it may not always be in your best interest to adopt another dog or cat if you don’t have the resources to care for it. Lastly, it’s always a good idea to check with your local government officials and vet for advice in Anaheim.
