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Pittsburgh, PA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Basis
Behavior-based, not breed
Governing law
State Dangerous Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-501
Local role
City Treasurer issues registration, sign
OLEA access
Barred from off-leash exercise areas

Summary

Pittsburgh has no breed ban. Under Code § 633.20, a dog is declared dangerous individually under Pennsylvania's Dangerous Dog Law, then the City Treasurer issues a registration certificate and required warning sign.

Enforcement of the Dangerous Dog Law shall be pursuant to 3 P.S. § 459-501 et seq., and any amendments thereto. The City Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to collect and retain all fees and fines associated with the determination and registration of a dangerous dog, issue the appropriate certificates of registration and dangerous dog warning signs and carry out all other duties and functions of the Treasurer of a City of the second class prescribed by the Dangerous Dog Law...

Source: Municode Library - PittsburghView official code

Full Breakdown

Pittsburgh Code § 633.20 does not target any breed. It enforces the state Dangerous Dog Law (3 P.S. § 459-501 et seq.): once the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement issues a dangerous-dog determination, the City Treasurer collects the fees and fines, issues the certificate of registration and the dangerous-dog warning sign, and handles the other Treasurer duties the law assigns to a city of the second class. A dog declared dangerous is also barred from Pittsburgh's Off-Leash Exercise Areas under § 633.22(d)(4).

Violations & Fines

No local citation for breed alone. After a dangerous-dog determination, failure to register, pay fees, or post the required warning sign is enforced by the City Treasurer under § 633.20 and the state Dangerous Dog Law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pittsburgh ban pit bulls or other specific breeds?
No. Code § 633.20 enforces Pennsylvania's Dangerous Dog Law, which makes dangerous-dog determinations based on an individual dog's behavior, not its breed.
What must an owner do once a dog is declared dangerous?
The City Treasurer issues a certificate of registration and a dangerous-dog warning sign per § 633.20, and the dog is barred from Pittsburgh's Off-Leash Exercise Areas under § 633.22.

Sources & Official References

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All Pittsburgh rules

How Pittsburgh compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania animal ordinances overview

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