Bartow County, GA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Lot 1 acre or less
- Max 3 dogs
- Lot 1-2 acres
- Max 6 dogs
- Lot 2 acres or less
- Max 6 cats
- Multi-family unit
- Max 3 dogs / 6 cats
- Dog and cat limits
- Counted independently
- First-offense fine
- $150.00 minimum, per animal
Summary
Unincorporated Bartow County caps household pets by lot size: no more than three dogs on a one-acre-or-smaller lot, six dogs on one-to-two acre lots, and six cats on any lot of two acres or less, with numeric limits lifted on larger acreage, under Bartow County Code § 14-17(a)-(b).
(a)Dogs. The following restrictions apply to the maximum number of dogs that may be possessed or kept on any residential property, based on the area of the lot. ... (2)Larger than one acre but equal to or less than two acres. On any residential property that is larger than one acre, but equal to or less than two acres, regardless of the designated zoning of said property, it shall be unlawful to possess or keep more than six dogs.(3)Equal to or less than one acre. On any residential property that is equal to or less than one acre, it shall be unlawful to possess or keep more than three dogs. ... (b)Cats. The following restrictions apply to the maximum number of cats that may be kept on any residential property, based on the area of the lot. ... (2)Equal to or less than two acres. On any residential property that is equal to or less than two acres, it shall be unlawful to possess or keep more than six cats.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 14-17(a) sets the dog ladder: above two acres there is no restriction on dog numbers, though a property with more than six dogs must keep them in an enclosure at least 100 feet from the nearest property line; a lot larger than one acre but no more than two acres is capped at six dogs regardless of zoning; a lot of one acre or less is capped at three dogs; and a dwelling unit in a multi-family development, such as an apartment, condo, townhome or duplex, is capped at three dogs no matter how large the overall property is.
Sec. 14-17(b) mirrors that structure for cats: unrestricted above two acres, capped at six cats on two acres or less, and capped at six cats per multi-family dwelling unit. Sec. 5-acre lot can legally hold six dogs and six cats at once. Sec. 14-18(a) allows one litter per household per year, and a new litter is exempt from the Sec. 14-17 count for up to 12 weeks from birth; more than one litter per household per year makes the owner a "pet dealer" subject to state licensing.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the dog or cat limits in Sec. 14-17 is a violation of Chapter 14 under Sec. 14-123, with a minimum fine of $150.00 for a first offense, $300.00 for a second, and $450.00 for a third or subsequent offense, up to a $1,000.00 statutory maximum. Each animal kept over the limit counts as a separate offense, and the county attorney may also seek civil relief in superior court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I legally own on a half-acre lot in unincorporated Bartow County?
Can I have six dogs and six cats on the same property?
Are pet limits different for apartments and townhomes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bartow County
Compare Bartow County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
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