Memphis, TN Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

City Code § 8-16-10(B) draws the hoarding line at more than five companion animals combined with a documented pattern of neglect. The ordinance defines 'companion animal' broadly to include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, ferrets, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates kept for companionship, and it defines 'adequate care,' 'adequate conditions,' 'adequate food,' 'adequate shelter' and 'adequate water' in the same section, for example, water must be refreshed at intervals not exceeding 24 hours, and shelter must have a roof, floor and three sides sized so the animal can stand, lie down and turn around.

A violation is a misdemeanor, and under § 8-16-10(C) the city court, court of general sessions, or a court of competent jurisdiction may, upon conviction for companion animal hoarding, order any combination of: barring the person from owning or having custody of companion animals for a period the court deems reasonable; participation in animal cruelty prevention or educational programs; a behavioral health evaluation with mandatory compliance; forfeiture of the animals underlying the conviction to the Memphis Animal Shelter; mandatory sterilization (required outright on a second violation); and payment of fees and fines.

Section 8-16-9, in the same chapter, separately requires owners to remove pet feces promptly and imposes enforcement under chapter 8-24. Memphis Animal Services and the courts share enforcement authority, animal control officers investigate conditions and file the underlying charge, while the sentencing court imposes the hoarding-specific remedies. The ordinance traces to Ord. No. § 39-14-202.