How Many Dogs or Cats Can You Have in The State of Georgia?

A Tabby cat and a merle Aussie

There is no state-wide set number of cats or dogs you can own in the state of Georgia. However, the municipality in which you reside may have its own rules. Most municipalities in Georgia restrict households in residential districts to three or five dogs/cats, not counting puppies and kittens less than a certain age, typically eight weeks to four months or so. In Glynn County, for example, a maximum of three dogs or three cats is allowed per residential property.

A maximum of five dogs and an unrestricted number of cats is allowed per household in residential zones within the City of Conyers, the county seat of Rockdale County, Georgia. If you live in a residential district within Georgia, it is advisable to check with your local animal control to determine the allowable number of pets per household in your area. Take the following Georgia municipalities' pet ownership rules for example.

Atlanta, GA

In Atlanta, GA, you can have up to ten dogs or ten cats and one miniature pot-bellied pig at your residence. This limitation does not apply to pets kept in areas zoned for agriculture, according to Atlanta's municipal code chapter 18, Sec. 18-129. The city code requires 100 square feet of floor space per dog and pot-bellied pig over four months of age. That means the number of dogs you can own in a residential area depends on the space in your house, but the maximum number is ten.

If you keep three or more dogs in a pen or enclosure, such structures are required to be located at least 25 feet from any occupied building except for your own. Each dog and cat owner in Atlanta is required to apply to the Fulton County Animal Control shelter for a vaccination/license tag. The City of Atlanta has eight official Off-Leash Dog Parks wherein no more than three dogs per owner are permitted at one time.

Columbus, GA

A combined total of five dogs and/or cats over six months of age is allowed per residence in Columbus, GA. According to the City Code, anyone who keeps on their premises a combined total of six or more dogs and/or cats over six months of age as personal or family pets is required to obtain a private/hobby kennel permit. Prior to being issued a private/hobby kennel permit, you are required to obtain a certificate of occupancy from the code enforcement officer. For each private/hobby kennel permit, there is a $100 inspection and permit fee. All dogs and cats in Columbus, GA, are required to be vaccinated for rabies. In addition, they are required to be registered with the animal services division.

Savannah, GA

Up to eight cats are allowed per single-family residence in Savannah, Georgia. This limitation does not include cats less than four months of age or cats that are permanently kept indoors, according to the City Code, which allows no more than five dogs over four months of age per single-family residence. Any cat or dog that is allowed outside of a residence is required to be spayed or neutered. Furthermore, any cat or dog considered a nuisance to a neighbor may be trapped and brought to animal services as an at-large animal, according to the city code.

South Fulton, GA

The Fulton County Code allows up to ten cats or dogs per household in all areas, except in areas zoned for agriculture. However, the City of South Fulton's municipal code further restricts the number of dogs to three, unless a special permit is obtained. According to South Fulton City Code Title 18, Sec. 18-3001, any premises where there are four or more dogs over the age of four months is deemed to constitute a kennel. If you have four or more dogs over the age of four months in a non-agricultural zone in South Fulton, you're required to apply to the city manager for an annual special permit.

Sandy Springs, GA

Except in areas zoned for agriculture, a maximum of ten cats is allowed per residence in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Dog owners in the City are limited to three dogs per residence unless they obtain a special permit from the city manager. As per Chapter 10, Sec. 10-6 of Sandy Springs' municipal code, each premises where four or more dogs over four months of age are kept for a period of 14 days or longer is deemed to constitute a kennel, which requires a permit. All owners of cats and dogs four months of age in Sandy Springs are required to have their pets vaccinated and to obtain a dog/cat license.

Roswell, GA

A Hobby Kennel permit is required to own more than three dogs in Roswell, GA. However, according to Roswell City Code Section 8.1.7, Hobby Kennels are permitted only in the RS-87 and RS-30 (single-family residential) with a minimum of two acres. In those zoning districts, a Hobby Kennel allows you to own a maximum of ten dogs. All owners of properties on which a hobby kennel is located are required to obtain a special permit from the Fulton County Animal Control Department. The City of Roswell's municipal code does not impose a limit on the number of cats you can own. However, it does require all cats and dogs over four months of age to be vaccinated and licensed.

Warner Robins, GA

In Warner Robins, GA, each residential lot is limited to six dogs and cats in total, not counting puppies or kittens under twelve weeks old. To exceed this limit, you need to obtain a $100 annual waiver from the mayor and council. This restriction, as per the Warner Robins City Code, does not apply to residential lots of five or more acres, nor to properties zoned residential agricultural (R-Ag).

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post
As an Amazon Associate, The Australian Shepherd Blog earns from qualifying purchases via links on this blog—at NO extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
-