Relevant Resources

Coexisting with Wildlife
Outdoor Cats/Ferals
Keeping Cats Out of Gardens

Local Animal Laws

Animal Municipal Codes

Please click on the links below to view the municipal animal ordinances for the following locations:
Capitola Ordinance
Scotts Valley Ordinance
Santa Cruz County Ordinance
Watsonville Ordinance
Santa Cruz City Ordinance

Municipal Pet Limits

Zoning Restrictions on Animal Ownership – Divided by Jurisdiction

City of Santa Cruz: 831-420-5416 {See section 24 of the city municipal code for district and term definitions, and specific provisions}.

DISTRICT R

  • A maximum of 6 domestic animals permitted, no more than 3 of which may be dogs, and no more than 1 of which may be an unspayed female dog.

On lots of at least 20,000 square feet, no more than 2 large family farm animals and 10 small family farm animals permitted

On lots of at least 20,000 square feet, 1 horse, pony, donkey, or mule is permitted per 20,000 square feet of land. These specifications are subject to more specific provisions detailed in section 24.12.640 of the Santa Cruz City Municipal Code.

DISTRICT R-1

  • All of above limits and provisions apply to district R-1.
  • No more than 2 hives of bees are permitted under provisions specified in section 24.12.650 of the Santa Cruz City Municipal Code.

City of Scotts Valley: 831-440-5630 {Call for district and term definitions}.

DISTRICT R-H

  • No animals permitted.

DISTRICTS: R-M-6, R-M-8, R-1-10, R-1-20, R-1-40

  • Up to 2 total dogs and/or cats permitted.

DISTRICTS R-R-2.5, R-MT-5

  • Up to 4 total dogs and/or cats permitted.
  • “Family animal raising”, which includes up to 25 laying fowl or birds permitted.

City of Watsonville: 831-768-3050 {Call for term definitions}.

  • Maximum of 6 domestic animals per residence, only 3 of which may be dogs.
  • No roosters permitted.
  • Hens are permitted and categorized as domestic animals.
  • 1 large livestock animal (e.g.: horse, donkey etc) permitted per 20,000 square foot FENCED area on a minimum lot size of 40,000 square feet.

City of Capitola: 831-475-7300 {Call for district and term definitions}.

SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

A maximum of 4 total animals from the following list are permitted:

  • Dogs – no more than 2 over the age of 4 months permitted.
  • Cats
  • Rabbits
  • Guinea pigs, rats, mice
  • Non-poisonous reptiles and amphibians
  • Fowl “which doesn’t quack or crow”

Any number of indoor birds may be kept as long as said animals are not creating a nuisance.

MOBILE HOMES AND APARTMENTS

A maximum of 2 total animals from the following list are permitted

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Rabbits
  • Guinea pigs, rats, mice
  • Non-poisonous reptiles and amphibians
  • Fowl “which doesn’t quack or crow”
  • Any number of indoor birds may be kept as long as said animals are not creating a nuisance.

AGRICULTURAL

All “normally domesticated animals” permitted, including bees.

County {Including: San Lorenzo Valley, Soquel, Aptos, Freedom, and Los Gatos} 831-454-2130 {Call for district and term definitions}.

SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

  • Up to 2 dogs and 2 cats permitted.
  • Kennels for 5 or more dogs or cats not permitted.
  • Small animals (fowl, rabbits, rodents etc) permitted on lots of 6,000 to 15,000 square feet: 1 per 1,000 square foot (or on lots larger than 1/3 acre).
  • Maximum 2 horses per acre with a level 5 permit (Up to R-1-32).
  • No farm animals other than horses permitted.
  • No bees permitted.
  • No exotic (zoo-type) animals permitted.

MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL

  • Up to 1 dog and 2 cats permitted.
  • No kennels permitted.
  • Small animals (fowl, rabbits, rodents etc) permitted.
  • No livestock / farm animals permitted.
  • No bees permitted.
  • No exotic (zoo-type) animals permitted.

RURAL RESIDENTIAL

  • Up to 4 dogs or cats, but no more than 4 total permitted.
  • Kennels of 5 or more dogs or cats not permitted.
  • Small animals (fowl, rabbits, rodents etc) permitted.
  • Maximum 2 horses per acre with a level 5 permit.

No farm animals other than horses permitted.

No exotic (zoo-type) animals permitted.

AGRICULTURAL RESIDENTIAL

  • Up to 4 dogs or cats, but no more than 4 total permitted.
  • Kennels of 5 or more dogs or cats permitted with a level 5 permit from Environmental Health.
  • Small animals (fowl, rabbits, rodents, etc) permitted.
  • Maximum of 2 horses per acre permitted.
  • Farm animals other than horses permitted according to acreage standards set by zoning. Please contact them at phone listed above and request the “Animal Keeping in Residential

     Districts” hand out for this information.

  • Bees permitted with a level 5 permit.
  • No exotic (zoo-type) animals permitted.