Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Clayton County

Clayton County, GA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Threshold
More than 5 dogs or 5 cats
Age counted
Over four months old
Classification
'Private kennel' (Sec. 14-3)
Excluded
Pet shops, vets, commercial kennels
Also required
Current rabies + under control

Summary

Clayton County treats a household with more than five dogs or five cats (or a combination of five) over four months old as a 'private kennel.' Keeping animals above that threshold moves the property into kennel regulation rather than ordinary pet keeping.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Clayton County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Private kennel means any person, excluding commercial kennels, pet shops and veterinary clinics or hospitals, who keeps, harbors or knowingly permits to remain on or about his premises, more than five dogs or five cats or more than a combination of five dogs and cats over four months of age.

Source: Clayton County Code Ch. 14, § 14-3 (Definitions — private kennel) (Municode)View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Clayton County Code Sec. 14-3, a 'private kennel' means any person (excluding commercial kennels, pet shops, and veterinary clinics or hospitals) who keeps, harbors, or knowingly permits to remain on the premises more than five dogs or five cats, or a combination of more than five dogs and cats over four months of age. Households at or below five animals over four months are ordinary pet owners; exceeding that count classifies the property as a private kennel subject to the county's kennel provisions and, potentially, zoning review. All dogs and cats over the vaccination age must also carry current rabies shots, and animals must be kept 'under control' per Sec. 14-3.

Violations & Fines

Keeping more than five dogs or cats over four months without meeting the county's kennel requirements is an ordinance violation; enforcement can require kennel compliance, zoning approval, or reduction of the animal count, with impoundment for uncontrolled animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dogs or cats can I have in Clayton County?
You can keep up to five dogs or five cats over four months old as an ordinary owner. More than five (or a combination over five) classifies your property as a private kennel under Sec. 14-3.
What is a 'private kennel' in Clayton County?
Any person, other than a commercial kennel, pet shop, or veterinary clinic, keeping more than five dogs or cats, or a combination over five, that are over four months of age.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clayton County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsHeavy RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsCat RulesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Clayton County rules

Compare Clayton County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Pet Limits in Clayton County, GA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.