Oakland County, MI Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Dog License Age
- 4 months and older (MCL 287.262)
- Spayed/Neutered Fee
- $15/year, $40 for 3 years
- Intact Dog Fee
- $25/year, $70 for 3 years
- Delinquent After
- June 1 each year
- Late Fee
- Flat $40 (one-year)
- Rabies Vaccination
- Required for license
Summary
Oakland County does not zone livestock at the county level: each township or city controls horses, cattle, goats, pigs, and sheep through its zoning code. The county does enforce the statewide Dog Law (MCL 287.262) requiring all dogs 4+ months old to be licensed annually.
The owner of a dog 4 months old or over shall apply to the county treasurer of the county in which the dog is kept or to the treasurer of the city, village, or township in which the dog is kept for a license for the dog. … It shall be unlawful for any person to own any dog 6 months old or over, unless the dog is licensed as hereinafter provided.
Full Breakdown
Most Oakland County agricultural townships (Holly, Groveland, Brandon, Springfield, Oxford, Addison, Rose, Highland) permit livestock on parcels of 1 to 5 acres minimum with setbacks of 50 to 200 feet from dwellings on adjacent property. Urbanized communities (Royal Oak, Ferndale, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Southfield, Pontiac, Troy) prohibit livestock outright in residential zones. Slaughter on residential property is prohibited countywide via local ordinances and Michigan's Animal Industry Act (MCL 287.701). Manure storage must comply with MDARD Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMPs). Dog licensing, administered by Oakland County for residents of most municipalities, costs $15 for spayed/neutered or $25 for intact dogs annually (regular Dec 1 to Jun 1), rising to a flat $40 after June 1 delinquency. Three-year licenses are $40 (altered) or $70 (intact). Senior-citizen discounts apply. Online purchases through DocuPet add a $2.50 service fee. Rabies vaccination by a licensed veterinarian is mandatory.
Violations & Fines
Unlicensed dog: misdemeanor under MCL 287.262, fine up to $100 plus delinquency. Livestock zoning violations: municipal civil infraction, typical $100 to $500 per day. Backyard slaughter: misdemeanor under MCL 750.50b (animal cruelty if not humane).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse or goat on my Oakland County property?
When are Oakland County dog licenses due?
Do I need to license a puppy?
What's the penalty for an unlicensed dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oakland County
How Oakland County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Oakland County to another location·View the Michigan animal ordinances overview
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