The number of dogs you can own in California is capped at three or four depending on the specific municipality you live in. Once you own five or more dogs, you need to get a special kennel permit.

Wondering just how many dogs you can adopt in California before raising eyebrows? We don’t blame you—dogs offer up friendly and loyal companionship, plus they’re incredibly cute. But how many bundles of furry joy are too many in

California

This answer ultimately depends on the municipality you live in, as each local government has its own set of rules when it comes to pet ownership in California. To help you get a clear idea of how many dogs you can be a forever home for in California,

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Does California have laws limiting how many dogs you can own?

California has laws in place that limit the number of dogs you can own, but these limits vary slightly depending on which local government’s jurisdiction you live under. Municipalities typically limit each household to three or four dogs over four months old.

You can own more dogs than these limits, but doing so requires obtaining a kennel permit. If you own five or more dogs, you’ll have to do the following to get this permit:

Visit the municipal zoning department to can find out if a kennel can be used on your property and if you have sufficient acreage.

File a form for a kennel license with the county animal services department.

Depending on the municipality, undergo a property investigation with the police department.

If all goes well, you’ll be required to comply with zoning requirements, keep your kennels in safe and sanitary conditions, and routinely maintain the inside and outside of your property.

MORE: 8 steps to a perfect road trip with your dog

Are there any dog breeds outlawed in California?

While no certain breed is outlawed in California, many Californian municipalities have Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) for certain dog breeds. Municipal dog Breed Specific Legislation generally applies to these breeds:

Pit Bulls

American Pit Bull Terriers

Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Dobermans

Rottweilers

German Shepherds

Depending on where you live, dogs on the BSL list need to obtain a special license after they turn four months old, and must be part of a spay or neuter program.

There is additional legislation surrounding potentially dangerous and vicious dogs, and what your responsibilities are as the owner if your dog fits this description. A dangerous dog is one that’s done any of the following:

Done something off its owner’s property that required someone to defend themselves

Bitten someone and caused an injury

Injured or killed a domestic animal off of the dog owner’s property

A vicious dog falls under one of these descriptions:

A potentially dangerous dog that continues with aggressive behavior

A dog that’s severely injured or killed a person without provocation

A dog that’s been seized as a result of its owner’s engaging in dogfighting, which is a crime in California

If you own either a vicious or potentially dangerous dog in California, you must take special care of it following Californian law. Here are your responsibilities if your dog falls into either category:

You must fully license and vaccinate your dog

When your dog is on your property, it has to be inside, enclosed in a fenced area, or in a kennel

When your dog is off your property, you have to keep it controlled and on a leash

MORE:

Tried and true ways to get rid of pet odor in your car

What are the leash laws in California?

Leash laws in California are just like its dog limit laws: each municipality has specific laws governing how dog owners should restrain their dogs in public.

While municipal laws may change slightly depending on where you are, nearly every city in California prohibits dogs from being able to run at large and require dog owners to keep their dogs in control and on leashes in public spaces.

The city of

Sacramento

is a great example of standard leash laws across most Californian cities. The

Sacramento County Code 9.36.061

requires owners to keep their dogs safely leashed and under control 24/7. If you refuse to follow this law, you can get a citation for it in Sacramento.

Like most of California’s municipalities, Sacramento’s leash law doesn’t apply to designated fenced areas like off-leash dog parks. Owners still must keep their dogs in control by using voice commands to keep other dogs and people safe.

Penalties for breaking dog laws in California

Even though there’s no statewide law that mandates owners keep their dogs on leashes at all times, you could face citations and fines if you break this law in many of California’s municipalities.

You might face even steeper consequences if your loose dog damages property or injures livestock, another pet, or a person. In the most severe cases, you could receive criminal charges if your dog seriously attacks another person in California.

You could face a misdemeanor or felony if the victim was injured, or a felony charge if the victim was killed.

Owners can also be liable for damages under California’s statewide Dog Bite statute. If you own a potentially dangerous or vicious dog that injures a person, you’ll be liable under the Dog Bite Statute and you could face a fine ranging from $500-$1000.

The Dog Bite Statute applies when your dog is in public spaces or private spaces, so long as the victim is lawfully occupying a private space, such as a visitor in your home. The law typically doesn’t apply to intruders.

MORE:

How to buy and install a dog car seat

Where to find affordable home insurance in California

While your teacup chihuahua is a home security alarm system, you still need great homeowners insurance from a trusted provider to make sure you’re covered.

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