The Town of Colonie does not impose a numeric limit on the number of dogs, cats, or other companion animals per household. Chapter 79 Article III caps chickens at six and bars roosters, and Article II bars new swine. Multi-pet households are otherwise regulated through cruelty, nuisance, and licensing laws rather than a count cap.
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.
Unlicensed dogs may be cited individually under Chapter 79 Article I, with fines up to $100 first offense and up to $350 or $500 for repeat violations within five years. Functional hoarding may be charged under NY Ag and Markets Law sections 353 (misdemeanor) or 353-c (Class E felony) regardless of the absence of a numeric cap.
Colonie, NY
Abandoned vehicles in the Town of Colonie are handled under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Β§1224 (Abandoned Vehicles), which makes the town in which a vehi...
Colonie, NY
Pool barriers in Colonie are governed by the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as adopted by reference in the NY State Uniform Code at 19 NYCR...
Colonie, NY
The Town of Colonie Zoning Law does not prescribe a closed list of permitted fence materials, but barbed wire, electrified fencing, and razor wire are genera...
Colonie, NY
Boundary and 'spite fence' disputes in Colonie are governed by New York State common law and statute, not the town zoning code. Real Property Actions and Pro...
Colonie, NY
The Town of Colonie requires a fence/zoning permit from the Department of Building & Code Enforcement before installing a fence, with a plot plan showing fen...
Colonie, NY
Backyard composting in the Town of Colonie is permitted and encouraged. The Town operates a curbside yard-waste collection program (April through November) v...
See how Colonie's pet limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.