Hendersonville, TN Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Limit
- 1 per 3,000 sq ft lot
- Counted together
- Dogs, cats, rabbits
- Applies in
- All zoning districts
- 9,000 sq ft lot
- Max 3 animals
- Also governed by
- Animal Control Ordinance
Summary
Hendersonville caps dogs, cats, and rabbits combined at one animal per 3,000 square feet of lot area in every zoning district, on top of the city's separate Animal Control Ordinance.
Dogs, cats, and rabbits are allowed as a residential accessory use in all zones under the following conditions:
A. One per 3,000 square feet of lot area. B. Subject to Animal Control Ordinance.
2. Chickens, ducks, and similar fowl are allowed as a residential accessory use in RR, ER, SR-1, SR-2, SR-3 and DN zones under the following conditions:
A. One per 10,000 square feet of lot area. B. Shall be fenced in rear yard. C. No roosters. D. Shall be located at least 15 feet from all property lines except where adjacent to other such animals.
3. Pot-bell pigs, pygmy goats, and similar animals are permitted in RR, ER, SR-1, SR-2, SR3, and DN zones under the following conditions:
A. One per 10,000 square feet of lot area. B. Shall be fenced in the rear yard. C. Shall be located at least 15 feet from all property lines except where adjacent to other such animals.
4. Horses, ponies, goats, and similar large animals are permitted in RR, ER, and SR-1 zones under the following conditions:
A. One per 30,000 square feet of lot area. B. Shall be kept in a stable or within a fenced area or otherwise secured behind the house or beside the house. On a corner lot, the animal(s) shall not be kept in the area between the house and the side street. C. Shall be located at least 50 feet from all property lines except where adjacent to other such animals.
5. Exotic animals are allowed as a residential accessory use in RR, ER, SR-1, SR-2, SR-3 and DN zones under the following conditions:
Full Breakdown
Under Hendersonville's zoning ordinance, dogs, cats, and rabbits are allowed as a residential accessory use in every zoning district, but the total number is capped at one animal per 3,000 square feet of lot area: the limit applies collectively across all three species combined, not per species. A 9,000-square-foot residential lot tops out at three animals total. Owners must also comply with the city's separate Animal Control Ordinance, which governs licensing, vaccination, and nuisance rules.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more dogs, cats, or rabbits combined than the one-per-3,000-square-foot lot-area formula allows is a zoning violation, separate from any Animal Control Ordinance licensing requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I have in Hendersonville?
Can I have 5 cats on a typical lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hendersonville
Compare Hendersonville to another location·View the Tennessee animal ordinances overview
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