Gwinnett County, GA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Basis
- Individual behavior, not breed
- Vicious dog insurance
- $1,000,000 minimum
- Dangerous dog insurance
- $100,000 minimum
- Vicious dog limit
- One per owner
- Section
- Code § 10-106
Summary
Georgia bars breed-specific bans, so Gwinnett County instead requires owners of dogs individually classified as dangerous or vicious to obtain a nontransferable certificate of registration before possessing the dog.
It shall be unlawful for an owner to have or possess within the county a classified dog without a certificate of registration issued in accordance with the provisions of this section. Certificates of registration shall be nontransferable and shall only be issued to a person 18 years of age or older. No more than one certificate of registration shall be issued per domicile.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 9).
Full Breakdown
Gwinnett doesn't ban dogs by breed, state law preempts that, but its Responsible Dog Ownership division implements Georgia's O.C.G.A. § 4-8-20 by letting animal control classify an individual dog as dangerous or vicious based on its conduct. Once classified, the owner must get a certificate of registration before possessing the dog in the county; registration is nontransferable, limited to one per household, and available only to owners 18 or older. Registered dogs need a secure enclosure, posted warning signs, an implanted microchip, and liability insurance, at least $100,000 for a dangerous dog and $1,000,000 for a vicious dog. No person may own more than one vicious dog, and owners with certain violent or drug-trafficking felony convictions can't get a certificate at all.
Violations & Fines
Possessing a classified dangerous or vicious dog without the required certificate of registration, enclosure, signage, microchip or insurance is a violation of Sec. 10-106, enforceable through the chapter's animal control penalty and registration-denial provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gwinnett County ban specific dog breeds?
What insurance does a vicious dog owner need in Gwinnett County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gwinnett County
How Gwinnett County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Gwinnett County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
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