Nashua, NH Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Covers
- Accessory structures only
- Trigger
- Imminent hazard to public health
- Decided by
- Health Officer or designee
- No
- Numeric pet-count limit
Summary
Nashua bans keeping animals in an accessory structure in a manner so unsanitary it creates an imminent hazard to public health, as determined by the Health Officer.
It shall be unlawful for any person, whether as owner, keeper or custodian, to keep and house any animal in an accessory structure in an unsanitary manner that presents an imminent hazard to public health, as determined by the health officer or designee.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4805762; v29 updated 2026-02-10; through 02-10-2026).
Full Breakdown
Nashua's code sets no numeric cap on how many animals a person may own. Hoarding-type conditions instead fall under § 93-3, which makes it unlawful for any owner, keeper or custodian to keep and house an animal in an accessory structure, a garage, shed, or coop, in a manner so unsanitary it presents an imminent hazard to public health. The Health Officer or a designee makes that determination case by case rather than the code specifying thresholds. Related nuisance issues are handled separately: dogs at large under § 93-5 and dog waste under § 93-8.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 93-3 is enforced by the City; conviction is punished as provided in City Code § 1-12, with penalties applying per occurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nashua cap how many pets someone can own?
Who decides if a hoarding situation violates the ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashua
Compare Nashua to another location·View the New Hampshire animal ordinances overview
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