Gordon County, GA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Kennel threshold
- Six or more adult dogs or cats on a property
- Kennel without outdoor run
- A-1, RA-1, O-I, C-C and C-H
- Kennel with outdoor run
- A-1 and RA-1 only, on at least 10 acres
- Building setback
- 100 feet from residential district lines
- Outdoor run setback
- 300 feet from rural or residential lines, fencing included
- Hours of operation
- 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Summary
In unincorporated Gordon County, keeping six or more adult dogs or cats on one property counts as a kennel under the Unified Land Development Code, whether they are pets, breeding stock or boarders. A kennel with an outdoor run is limited to the A-1 and RA-1 districts and needs at least 10 acres.
D.Keeping of canines or felines, whether as pets for personal enjoyment, breeding, or boarding shall be considered a kennel when there are six (6) or more adult canines or felines on a property.1.A kennel without an outdoor run is permissible in the A-1, RA-1, O-I, C-C and C-H zoning districts subject to the site design standards of the zoning district and the supplemental standards of this section.2.A kennel with an outdoor run is permissible in the A-1 and RA-1 zoning districts subject to the site design standards of the zoning district and the supplemental standards of this section.3.A kennel shall comply with the nuisance requirements pertaining to animal control as set forth in the County Code of Ordinances. ... Table 4.03.01(D) Standards for Kennels Development Feature Standard Animals allowed Canines or felines Minimum lot size for a kennel with an outdoor run 10 acres Minimum building setback from all property lines which abut a residential zoning district 100 feet Minimum outdoor run setback, includes fencing, from all property lines which abut a rural or residential zoning district 300 feet
Full Breakdown
Section 4.03.01(D) of the Unified Land Development Code is the household limit for dogs and cats in unincorporated Gordon County. It does not ban pets. It changes the land use category. Keeping canines or felines, whether as pets for personal enjoyment, breeding or boarding, is considered a kennel once there are six or more adult canines or felines on a property. Below that number the property is not a kennel under this subsection.
A kennel then has to fit the zoning map. A kennel without an outdoor run is permissible in the A-1, RA-1, O-I, C-C and C-H districts. A kennel with an outdoor run is permissible only in A-1 and RA-1. Every kennel must comply with the nuisance requirements pertaining to animal control in the County Code of Ordinances and meet Table 4.03.01(D). A kennel with an outdoor run needs a minimum lot of 10 acres. The building must sit 100 feet from any property line that abuts a residential zoning district, and the outdoor run, including its fencing, must sit 300 feet from any property line that abuts a rural or residential zoning district.
The rest of the table adds operating conditions. Hours are limited to 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., indoor boarding requires soundproofing, and the buffer is 1.5 times the Section 4.07.06 requirement plus a fence or wall on any residentially zoned property line. Outdoor run grounds must be kept in a sanitary condition at all times, with solid surface areas having drains connected to an approved sanitary facility, and odor and pest control is required at all times. The same section, in subsections (A) through (C), sets separate rules for veterinary clinics.
Violations & Fines
Actions under the Unified Land Development Code are heard in the Magistrate Court of Gordon County. Section 10.05.04 sets a fine not to exceed $1,000 or 60 days imprisonment, or both, for each violation, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense. The County Administrator gives the owner written notice of the violation, and no further County permits or inspections are issued until it is corrected and accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs or cats can I keep at home in unincorporated Gordon County?
Where can a kennel with an outdoor run go?
Do the kennel rules apply to pets I do not breed or sell?
What hours and noise conditions apply to a kennel?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gordon County
Compare Gordon County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
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