California legal term
companion animal in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “companion animal” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.
What does “companion animal” mean in California criminal law?
“companion animal” means an animal, including, but not limited to, a dog or a cat that a person keeps and provides care for as a household pet or otherwise for the purpose of companionship, emotional support, service, or protection. (Cal. Penal Code § 487e)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.