The Law

For a complete listing of  Monterey County Title 8, Animal Control Codes, please click here: see codes

All dogs and cats over 4 months of age MUST be vaccinated against the rabies virus and dogs MUST be licensed (cat licenses are voluntary). MCC 8.08.010 & 8.08.030

You have 30 days to obtain a license before a late fine is issued if you recently moved to Monterey County, your dog has reached 4 months of age, your current license has expired, or you have acquired a new dog.

Click here for more information on pet licensing or here to download an application.

Need assistance with an animal Issue?

If you live in unincorporated Monterey County, please contact Monterey County Animal Services at 831-769-8850 or fill out this form.

If you live within the incorporated boundaries of a city, please contact your local Animal Control Agency or service provider for that city.

Running at Large

Dogs are not permitted to run at–large within the unincorporated territory of Monterey County at any time. MCC 8.20.010

Dog Feces

If your dog or a dog in your control or custody defecates on any public or private property, it is your responsibility to CLEAN IT UP! MCC 8.36.030

Abandonment

It is a misdemeanor if you abandon your animal, being defined as an act where an owner, driver, or possessor of an animal intentionally leaves an animal without provisions for ongoing care and attention. MCC 8.44.010

Female Dogs and Cats in Season

If your female dog or cat is in season (in heat), you must confine the animal within an appropriate enclosure as to prevent their escape or access to them resulting in an accidental breeding. MCC 8.20.030

Breeding

If you breed any cat or dog more than once per calendar year or maintain more than two litters per calendar year, you are considered a kennel and must obtain a Breeder/Kennel permit. MCC 8.04.010

Hit and Run

It is unlawful to fail to render assistance or call for assistance after knowingly hitting a deer, other wildlife, or a domestic animal with a motorized vehicle on public property. MCC 8.44.050

Feeding of Wildlife

Feeding wildlife in any way is not permitted, with the exception of a bird feeder in the yard. MCC 8.42.012

Effective July 14, 2015, Monterey County Code Ordinance 5249 requires permitting for Rooster Keeping Operations where 5 or more roosters are kept on any single property within the unincorporated areas of Monterey County.

The purpose of the Rooster Ordinance is to balance the legitimate interests of agricultural businesses and agricultural educational organizations with the prevention of rooster keeping that is unsanitary, environmentally damaging, inhumane, and conducive to illegal cockfighting.

Did you know? No Rooster Keeping Operation can legally operate in the unincorporated areas of Monterey County without either a permit exemption or a permit.

For a complete list of the forms, permit process, and presentations, please visit:Rooster Ordinance.

Did you know? If you breed any cat or dog more than once per calendar year or maintain more than two litters per calendar year, you are considered a kennel and must obtain a Breeder/Kennel permit. MCC 8.04.010