Colonie, NY Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Colonie Town Code Chapter 79 is silent on the maximum number of dogs or cats per household, and Chapter 145 (Property Maintenance) does not impose a numeric pet ceiling. Functional limits arise three ways. First, every dog four months or older must be licensed under Chapter 79 Article I, with proof of rabies vaccination, so undeclared dogs at a single address can be cited individually. Second, the Town Dog Park permit charges $35 for the first dog and $15 for each additional licensed dog at the same address, implicitly recognizing multi-dog households. Third, NY Agriculture and Markets Law sections 353 and 353-c reach functional hoarding when the number of animals exceeds the owner's ability to provide adequate care. Beyond dogs and cats, Article III of Chapter 79 sets hard numeric caps: six hens, no roosters, in single-family residential districts; coops and runs limited to 20 square feet and 48 inches in height with a 15-foot setback. Article II bars new swine entirely except on grandfathered swine premises. Private restrictions such as condominium bylaws, HOA covenants, and lease provisions may add stricter numeric caps and are enforceable as private contracts.