DeKalb County, GA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 5-33, Transient sale ban
- Banned locations
- Flea markets, roadsides, parking lots
- Exempt
- Licensed shelters, vets, approved shows
- Scope
- Unincorporated DeKalb County only
Summary
DeKalb County bars selling or advertising dogs, cats or rabbits at flea markets, roadsides, parking lots or other transient outdoor spots in the unincorporated county, though sales at licensed shelters, vets and approved shows remain legal.
It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, display for a commercial purpose, or advertise for sale any dog, cat, or domestic rabbit at any transient location within unincorporated DeKalb County regardless of whether such act is authorized by the landowner.(c)The following categories of sales, displays for a commercial purpose, or advertisements for sale are not prohibited by this section:(1)Those conducted by a person holding a valid animal shelter license issued by the State of Georgia pursuant to applicable state law;(2)Those occurring at 4-H programs, agricultural exhibitions, or events or shows sanctioned by county, state, or national government;(3)Those occurring at the office of a licensed veterinarian; and(4)Prearranged sales or exchanges between a seller and a specific purchaser that take place at a police department, sheriff's office, or similar peace officer facility during daylight hours, unless otherwise prohibited. (Ord. No. 2024-0861, § Pt. I, 10-8-24)
Full Breakdown
§ 5-33 makes it unlawful to sell, display for a commercial purpose, or advertise for sale any dog, cat or domestic rabbit at a transient location in unincorporated DeKalb County, defined as roadsides, rights-of-way, parking lots, flea markets and similar outdoor spots, regardless of the landowner's permission. Exemptions cover state-licensed animal shelters, 4-H and agricultural events, licensed veterinarian offices, and prearranged sales at a police or sheriff's facility. Separately, § 5-34 caps non-dealer breeders to one litter per animal per year.
Violations & Fines
Selling animals at a banned transient location violates § 5-33 and is enforced under the chapter's general penalty, § 1-10: up to a $1,000 fine or 120 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pet store sell dogs and cats in DeKalb County?
Can I sell puppies at a flea market in unincorporated DeKalb?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in DeKalb County
Compare DeKalb County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
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