Animal Ordinances in Ann Arbor, MI

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

Pet Store Rules

Ann Arbor bars pet stores from selling or transferring dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, long-lived birds, or large reptiles: stores may only host shelter and rescue adoptions, under the city's Chapter 92 Humane Pet Acquisition ordinance.

Key details: Banned species: dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, birds, reptiles. Max fine: $500 per violation, per day. Exemption: animals bred and reared on-site. Adoption allowed: shelter and rescue partnerships in-store. Enforced by: Community Standards Officers.

Selling or transferring a banned animal is a civil infraction punishable by up to $500 per violation; each day of continued sale is a separate offense, enforced by Community Standards Officers.

This is one of the stricter rules in Ann Arbor's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Beekeeping

Ann Arbor caps residential beekeeping at 2 hives or stands per property citywide: no permit needed below that limit, but exceeding it, outside apiary education or research, is a civil infraction with a fine up to $500.

Key details: Hive limit: 2 stands or hives. Permit required: No, below the 2-hive cap. Exception: Apiary education or research. Fine: Up to $500 civil infraction.

Keeping more than 2 hives or stands of bees, without qualifying for the apiary-education/research exception, is a civil infraction with a fine up to $500.

Dog Leash Laws

Ann Arbor requires dogs to be leashed, tethered, or confined on the owner's property; a dog not under this 'reasonable control' can be cited and impounded on the spot.

Key details: Leash required: Off-owner's-property, unless in vehicle. On-property exception: No leash needed there. Maximum fine: $500 civil infraction. Impoundment: Authorized immediately, § 9:48(1).

Civil infraction, fine up to $500 under § 9:47(1); the dog may also be impounded on the spot under § 9:48(1).

Cat Rules

Ann Arbor requires every cat older than 6 months to be currently immunized against rabies at all times; an unvaccinated cat is a code violation, not merely advisable.

Key details: Rabies vaccination: Required for cats over 6 months. Cat licensing: Not required (dogs only, § 9:46). Maximum fine: $500 civil infraction. Governing section: City Code § 9:47(12).

Civil infraction, fine up to $500 under § 9:47(12) for an unvaccinated cat over 6 months; noise and sanitation nuisances carry the same penalty.

Breed Restrictions

Ann Arbor's dangerous-animal definition expressly excludes breed as a factor: City Code § 9:45(2) says an animal is not dangerous solely 'because of its breed or perceived breed.'

Key details: Breed as a factor: Explicitly excluded, § 9:45(2)(c). Classification basis: Bite/attack history only. Local breed ban: None in Ann Arbor code. Governing section: City Code § 9:45(2).

No breed-based citation exists; a dog is only classified 'dangerous' or 'vicious' under § 9:45(2) and (8) based on its own conduct, never its breed.

Ann Arbor is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Wildlife Feeding

Ann Arbor bans placing grain, fruit, salt licks or other edible material where it's likely to attract deer, with exceptions for bird/pet feeders, gardening and DNR-permitted trapping.

Key details: Feeding height limit: Under 5 feet, exposed material. Maximum fine: $500 civil infraction. Exceptions: Bird/pet feeders, DNR permits. Governing section: City Code § 9:54(2).

Civil infraction, fine up to $500 under § 9:54(4)(b); a violation is also a declared public nuisance the City Attorney may seek to enjoin.

Chickens & Livestock

Ann Arbor allows up to 6 chickens or ducks per residential property, but only with a City Clerk-issued 6-bird permit, no roosters, and a rear-yard covered or fenced enclosure set back 10 feet from property lines, with slaughter banned.

Key details: Bird cap: 6 chickens or ducks. Roosters: Prohibited. Enclosure setback: 10 ft from property line. Permit term: 5 years.

Violating the permit's conditions is a civil infraction with a fine up to $500; the city may also revoke the permit and pursue prosecution.

Compared to other cities, Ann Arbor takes a harder line on chickens & livestock. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Ann Arbor can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.