Houston County, GA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Sec. 10-19, "Number of dogs and cats per residential lot," states it is "unlawful for there to be more than three dogs and three cats on any residential lot," subject to four exceptions: pet owners already lawfully keeping more under a prior ordinance may continue; a litter of puppies or kittens may stay on the property for 12 weeks after birth; the limit does not apply to residential lots of five or more acres or lots zoned Residential Agricultural (R-AG); and it does not apply to licensed foster home operators, breeders, or others granted a waiver.

Sec. 00 fee, must post a sign on the property at least 15 days before the public hearing, and the board has 30 days to decide based on findings that exceptional circumstances exist, no special privilege is conferred, the neighborhood won't be harmed, and the applicant shows a special need such as participation in a licensed Georgia rescue organization or therapeutic animal use. A granted waiver must be renewed annually, and an animal control officer verifies continuing compliance at renewal; noncompliance triggers referral back to the board, which can revoke the waiver if the applicant is found in violation of the chapter's nuisance provisions.