Animal Ordinances in Billings, MT: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Billings or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Billings has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Cat Rules

Billings requires every cat to be registered and rabies-vaccinated within 30 days, and bans letting cats run at large off the owner's property.

Key details: Registration deadline: 30 days after cat turns 3 months old. At-large rule: Sec. 4-406, city-wide. Vaccination required: Rabies, by licensed veterinarian. Senior discount: 50% off fee, age 65+. Feral colonies: Not addressed in city code.

Unregistered, unvaccinated, or at-large cats draw civil penalties under Sec. 18-1304; impoundment fees also apply.

Dog Leash Laws

Billings bans dogs from running loose off their owner's property unless leashed, corded, chained, fenced, or otherwise physically restrained.

Key details: Governing section: BMMC Sec. 4-406. Off-property rule: Leash, cord, chain, or fence required. Trained-dog exception: Voice control, max 6 feet. First violation penalty: Up to $300 civil fine. Loose dog outcome: Declared nuisance, impounded.

Municipal infraction with civil penalties: up to $300 for a first violation, up to $500 for each repeat violation under Sec. 18-1304; the loose animal is also impounded.

Chickens & Livestock

Billings allows up to six chicken hens on single-family lots with an annual animal control permit, a predator-proof coop, and a 10-foot setback from property lines; roosters and multi-family properties are barred.

Key details: Hen limit: 6 per single-family lot. Roosters: not permitted, hens only. Permit: annual, from animal control. Setback: 10 feet from property line. Coop height cap: 12 feet at peak.

Unpermitted flocks, oversized flocks, roaming hens, or coop violations are municipal infractions with civil penalties under BMMC Sec. 18-1304.

Beekeeping

Billings bans hives citywide unless you register as a hobbyist beekeeper and get an annual apiary permit from Animal Control.

Key details: Hive cap: 2 hives per hobbyist beekeeper. Permit: Annual, from Billings Animal Control. Setback: 15 ft from property line, or fenced. Renewal deadline: Register by April 1 yearly. Placement ban: No front yards, no multi-family lots.

Unpermitted hives are a municipal infraction under Secs. 4-310 and 18-1304, punishable by civil penalty, and the city administrator can revoke a hobbyist permit after 10 days' written notice if a violation isn't fixed.

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

Pet Limits

Billings households can keep up to three dogs and/or cats without a permit; a fourth animal triggers a small animal permit, home inspection, and registration with the city.

Key details: Permit threshold: 4+ dogs/cats per dwelling. Governing section: Sec. 4-402(a). Violation type: Municipal infraction, civil penalty. Permit requires: Inspection by animal control or health dept.

Keeping four or more dogs/cats without a small animal permit is subject to civil penalties under Sec. 18-1304 as a municipal infraction; permits can also be revoked for repeat violations.

Exotic Pets

Billings prohibits keeping monkeys, big cats, wolves, poisonous snakes, and wolf-dog hybrids as pets or for display anywhere in the city.

Key details: Governing section: City Code Sec. 4-301. Covers: Primates, big cats, wolves, venomous snakes. Exempt: Zoos, circuses, licensed exhibitions. Max penalty: $500 fine, 6 months jail.

Misdemeanor under Sec. 1-110(a): up to $500 fine and/or up to 6 months in jail, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

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

The Bottom Line

Billings is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Billings, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Billings's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.