Animal Ordinances in Allentown, PA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Allentown or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Allentown has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Pet Limits

Allentown does not cap household pets by number directly, but City Code Chapter 163 defines any place keeping more than six dogs or domesticated animals over four months old as a 'kennel,' which is barred from residential zones. Pennsylvania's Dog Law also requires a state kennel license once an owner keeps a regulated number of dogs.

Key details: Kennel threshold: More than 6 dogs/domesticated animals over 4 months old. City Code: Chapter 163 (Animals) kennel definition. Residential zones: Kennels and pet shops not permitted (Ch. 660 Zoning). State licensing: PA Dog Law kennel license (3 P.S. Sec. 459-206).

Operating a kennel in a residential zone is a zoning violation enforceable under Chapter 660. Keeping or operating an unlicensed kennel under the state Dog Law carries fines of $100 to $500 per day (7 Pa. Code Sec. 21.4).

Chickens & Livestock

Allentown bans keeping livestock and fowl within the City. City Code Chapter 163 makes it unlawful to keep or maintain any cattle, swine, sheep, goats or fowl except at licensed slaughtering or laboratory locations, so backyard chickens, roosters, ducks and similar poultry are not permitted in residential areas.

Key details: Prohibited: Cattle, swine, sheep, goats, fowl (incl. chickens). City Code: Chapter 163 (Animals) (former Art. 700.13, Sec. 3). Exceptions: Slaughtering/laboratory sites; Allentown Fair (Lehigh County Ag. Society). Backyard hens: Not permitted in residential areas.

Keeping prohibited livestock or fowl is a Code violation abated by Animal Control and Code Enforcement; offenders may be cited and ordered to remove the animals. General penalties for Chapter 163 violations apply (fines plus removal of the animals at the owner's expense).

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Allentown actively enforces its chickens & livestock requirements.

Breed Restrictions

Allentown cannot ban or restrict any dog breed. Pennsylvania's Dog Law (3 P.S. Sec. 459-507-A) expressly abrogates local dangerous-dog ordinances and forbids any municipality from prohibiting or limiting a specific breed, so breeds such as pit bulls and Rottweilers are legal citywide and are regulated only by behavior under the state dangerous-dog law.

Key details: Breed bans: Prohibited statewide (no breed-specific local law). Preemption statute: 3 P.S. Sec. 459-507-A (Construction of article). Regulated by: Behavior — state dangerous-dog law, not breed. Pit bulls / Rottweilers: Legal in Allentown.

Any local breed ban is unenforceable under 3 P.S. Sec. 459-507-A. Failure to comply with the state dangerous-dog registration and confinement requirements after a dog is adjudicated dangerous is a summary offense or misdemeanor under the Dog Law (3 P.S. Sec. 459-505-A; 7 Pa. Code Sec. 21.4).

The rules around breed restrictions in Allentown lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Beekeeping

Allentown may allow residential beekeeping with hive limits and setbacks. PA Bee Law (3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 21) requires registration with PA Department of Agriculture.

Key details: Hives: Typically 2 to 4 residential. Setback: Varies by municipality. Registration: PA Dept of Agriculture. State Law: 3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 21.

Unauthorized hives: removal order. Nuisance complaints: mediation then fines. State registration violation: PA Dept of Agriculture enforcement.

Dog Leash Laws

Allentown requires dogs to be confined or leashed per PA Dog Law §459-305. Dog licensing mandatory through county treasurer. Rabies vaccination required.

Key details: Leash: Required in public. License: Annual, county treasurer. State Law: PA Dog Law §459-305. Rabies: Vaccination required.

Dog at large: $25 to $300 fine. Unlicensed dog: $25 to $100 + late fee. Dangerous dog violation: up to $500 + containment requirements.

Exotic Pets

Allentown restricts ownership of exotic and wild animals. Many species require special permits or are prohibited entirely for public safety.

Key details: Large Cats: Generally prohibited. Primates: Generally prohibited. Permits: Required for some species. Insurance: May be required.

Confiscation of prohibited animals. Fines $500 to $5,000. Criminal charges possible for dangerous species. Owner liable for damages from escaped animals.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Allentown actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.

Wildlife Feeding

Allentown restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisance conditions.

Key details: Prohibited: Deer, coyotes, bears. Bird Feeders: May be restricted. Pet Food: Must not be left outside. Fines: $50 to $500.

Warnings for first offense. Fines typically $50 to $500. Repeat violations may result in misdemeanor charges in some jurisdictions.

The Bottom Line

Allentown is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Allentown, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Allentown's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.