Animal Ordinances in Annapolis, MD

If you live in Annapolis or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Annapolis has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Dog Leash Laws

Annapolis has no separate leash ordinance. City Code § 8.04.020 adopts Anne Arundel County's Animal Control Article 12, including its leash and at-large rules, and the County enforces it inside city limits.

Key details: Governing law: Anne Arundel County Animal Control, Article 12. Enforced by: Anne Arundel County, not City Police. City code section: Annapolis City Code § 8.04.020. Local add-ons allowed: City Council may adopt additional rules.

Dogs found at large or unleashed in Annapolis are cited under Anne Arundel County's Animal Control ordinance (Article 12) by county Animal Control officers, enforced the same as in the unincorporated county: the City does not issue a separate leash citation.

Veterinary Clinic Zoning

Annapolis zoning permits animal hospitals and veterinarian offices outright only in the BCE Business Corridor Enhancement district, requires a special exception in the B3 and B3-CD commercial districts, and bars the use entirely from B1, B2, BR, C2, C2A, PM2 and I1.

Key details: Permitted by right: BCE Business Corridor Enhancement district only. Special exception required: B3 and B3-CD commercial districts. Not permitted: B1, B2, BR, C2, C2A, PM2, I1. Parking requirement: Two spaces per employee. Governing chapter: Title 21 Zoning Code, Table of Uses.

Operating an animal hospital without the required special exception, or in a district where the use isn't listed, is a zoning infraction under section 21.36.030 fined 500 dollars a day, 1,000 for repeat violations.

Compared to other cities, Annapolis takes a harder line on veterinary clinic zoning. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Pet Groomer Rules

Annapolis zoning bars overnight boarding at pet grooming facilities and requires operators to hold an Anne Arundel County grooming parlor license under City Code § 21.64.495, with added floor-area and trash-enclosure rules in the PM2 and PM Districts.

Key details: Overnight boarding: Prohibited under all circumstances. License required: Anne Arundel County grooming parlor license. PM2/PM Districts: Ground-floor use only. Small lots: Trash must be enclosed, screened.

Operating without a current Anne Arundel County grooming parlor license, or boarding animals overnight, violates the § 21.64.495 use standard and exposes the operator to zoning code enforcement, including revocation of the use approval.

Chickens & Livestock

Annapolis caps backyard flocks at five chickens per property, bars roosters and all other livestock, and requires neighbor notice plus a Planning and Zoning permit before any chickens go in the yard.

Key details: Chicken limit: 5 per property. Roosters/other livestock: Prohibited citywide. Coop setback: 5 feet from property line. Permit fee: $100. Pre-permit step: Notice to abutting neighbors.

Keeping more than five chickens, keeping a rooster or any other barred livestock, or maintaining chickens without completing the notice-and-permit process is enforced by the Department of Planning and Zoning.

The Bottom Line

Annapolis's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Annapolis is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Annapolis 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.