Chattanooga, TN Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Definition
- Large number of animals, unsanitary conditions
- Legal basis
- Treated as unlawful neglect, § 7-32(b)
- Enforcement
- Animal Services inspection, citation, seizure
- Severe cases
- Humane euthanasia authorized under § 7-88
Summary
Chattanooga's animal code defines an 'animal hoarder' as anyone keeping a large number of animals in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, and treats that conduct as unlawful neglect subject to Animal Services investigation, citation, and seizure of the animals.
Animal hoarder: A person who possesses a large number of animals and who (i) keeps animals in severely overcrowded conditions where they are unable to be in a state of good health; (ii) displays the inability to recognize or understand the nature of, or has reckless disregard for, the conditions of the animals; or (iii) lives in unsanitary, unhealthful or potentially dangerous conditions and fails to or is unable to provide the animals with adequate care as defined in this chapter.
Animal Performance: Any performance, show, exhibition, display or act where an animal participates for the amusement or entertainment of an audience. Animal Performance does not include the display of animals for strictly educational purposes by non-profit organizations or Persons. This definition shall specifically exclude "Companion Animal Events."
Animal Rescuer: Any Person that, not acting for profit, accepts in a calendar year (i) more than ten (10) animals or (ii) more than five (5) animals and more than two (2) unweaned litters of animals for the purpose of finding permanent adoptive homes for the animals. Animal Rescuer does not include a facility operated by or under contract with a governmental agency or a Foster Care Provider.
Animal Services Officer: A person who is legally sworn and authorized by the City to carry out the duties imposed by this chapter and state law.
Animal shelter: A humane shelter for animals.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Chattanooga City Code § 7-2 defines an 'animal hoarder' as a person who keeps a large number of animals in severely overcrowded conditions, cannot recognize the harm being done, or lives in unsanitary or dangerous conditions and fails to provide adequate care. Meeting that definition is expressly listed as a form of 'neglect,' and § 7-32(b) makes it unlawful for any person to neglect an animal as neglect is defined in the chapter. Animal Services Officers can inspect, investigate, and impound animals found in hoarding conditions, and severely neglected animals may be humanely destroyed under § 7-88.
Violations & Fines
Violating the neglect prohibition is a citable criminal offense; Animal Services Officers may seize and impound the animals, and the Director may order euthanasia of animals too sick, injured, or unsocialized to be safely held.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hoarding animals illegal in Chattanooga?
Can the city take my animals if I'm hoarding them?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
Compare Chattanooga to another location·View the Tennessee animal ordinances overview
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