Chatham County, NC Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Chatham County's Animal Services Division does not regulate dogs by breed. 5, and that an animal the Health Director determines to be potentially dangerous or dangerous, subject to appeal, is treated in all respects as dangerous. 091 makes it unlawful for an animal that has bitten or attacked a human or another animal to remain at large, and authorizes an Animal Services Officer, on a proper warrant, to enter private property, including a dwelling, to impound the animal. 092 lets the Animal Services Division weigh the animal's behavior, size, and temperament, the adequacy of existing confinement, and the surrounding area, then order specific protective measures: a fence sufficient to contain the animal, an adequate pen or enclosure, warning signage, liability insurance of at least $100,000, and microchipping or tattooing for identification.

A declared animal may leave confinement only on the owner's premises, on private property with the owner's permission, at a licensed veterinarian, or inside a vehicle in transit, and must be muzzled and leashed whenever outside secure confinement. Failing to comply with a written protective-measures order costs $500 per day, and the Animal Services Division can immediately impound the animal for noncompliance. 093, which includes a veterinarian, a law-enforcement representative, and a person with animal behavior or training experience.