Sacramento residents could own more dogs under proposed ordinance
Sacramento residents could own more dogs, with some restrictions, under a new ordinance.
The maximum number of pooches allowed in a dwelling unit will rise to four, up from three canines allowed under the current city code. Under the proposed ordinance, a person would be able to own four dogs older than four months, once each are spayed or neutered.
The proposed ordinace would not change the limits of three swine and seven cats.
The ordinance will hopefully help the Front Street Shelter increase its adoptions, said spokeperson Ryan Hinderman.
“That could have a positive impact,” he said during Wednesday’s animal well-being commission meeting.
Commissioners also sought to amend the ordinance to require cats to also undergo spay or neuter, among other recommendations.
The city’s animal well-being commission added its recommendations to amend the ordinance during the meeting and voted Wednesday to forward the ordinance to the City Council.
The Sacramento proposed ordinance brings the city’s laws similar to other jurisdictions.
Sacramento County allows four dogs and cats per property, according to the Sacramento County Bradshaw Animal Shelter.
This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM.
