Tonawanda, NY Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Section 71-5A of the Town of Tonawanda Code caps the number of dogs at three per premises, counting only dogs six months of age or older, everywhere in the town except an industrial district. The Town Board can grant a special permit letting a licensed veterinarian, a veterinary hospital, an incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or a similar incorporated dog-protective association keep more than three dogs, on whatever terms and conditions the Board sets. That exception has its own limit, though: since a 2019 amendment, Local Law No.

2-2019, the Town Board cannot issue a special permit allowing more than three dogs on any property zoned A First Residential, B Second Residential, M-F Multifamily or C-1 Restricted Business, so the cap is effectively absolute in those residential and business districts. The same chapter separately requires every dog four months or older to be licensed with the Town Clerk's office, tagged with a municipal identification number, and vaccinated against rabies. Dogs kept beyond the limit, or kept without a license, both violate Chapter 71.

Enforcement is handled by dog control officers, as defined under Article 7 of the state Agriculture and Markets Law, along with any town peace officer, and violators face fines under § 71-10 in addition to the impoundment fees the town charges to reclaim a seized dog.