Ordinance Introduction
Animal Control Amendments
Glen Teixeira, Lieutenant
Police Department
October 6, 2025
Background
• Animal control is long running shared service in San Mateo County
• County contracts with Peninsula Humane Society
• All 20 cities contract with SM County
• Each City must adopt/maintain an Animal Control ordinance consistent with County ordinance
Purpose of Amendments
• In San Mateo, animal control is regulated by SMMC 8.02 • In 2024, significant updates made to County Code
• City subsequently made updates to ensure conformity to County ordinance
• Sections of Chapter 8.02 were inadvertently repealed in 2024 • repealed sections were maintained in a different section of County code • Sections must be added back in to SMMC to maintain uniformity with the County
Key Code Provisions to Add/Reinstate
• Spaying & Neutering
• Breeding Permits
• Keeping of Dogs/Cats
In order to enforce regulations regarding spay and neuter laws, the number of animals that may be kept in homes, the breeding of animals with permits, etc. it is recommended these sections be added back to the municipal code. • Sale or adoption of Dogs/Cats
• Revocation of Permit
• Misc. Fee Provisions, Penalties
and Responsibility for
Enforcement
8.34 - Animal Fanciers Permit
• New Chapter to be added
• Allows up to 10 dogs/cats per premises with permit
• Sets forth permit conditions
• Sanitation, proper housing, cages > 3ft from property line • Inspections
• Permit denial/revocation if complaints or noncompliance • Consistent with County Code
Recommendation
• Introduce Ordinance to amend SMMC 8.02 “Animal Control” and add Chapter 8.34 “Animal Fanciers Permit” to maintain consistency with County
• Adoption would be scheduled for October 20th
• Take effect November 20th