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

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

Exotic Pets

Doylestown Borough Ch. 2 defines household pets as dogs, cats, or small animals normally kept in a dwelling. Exotic or wild animals not fitting this definition may require special permits. PA Game Commission regulates exotic wildlife possession.

Key details: Household Pets: Dogs, cats, small domestic animals. Small Animals: Rabbits, guinea pigs, fowl, etc.. Exotic Wildlife: PA Game Commission regulated. Code Section: Ch. 2 (Animals).

Keeping prohibited or unpermitted exotic animals subject to Borough enforcement, state Game Commission action, and possible seizure.

Beekeeping

No specific beekeeping ordinance found in Doylestown Borough code. PA Bee Law (3 P.S. §2101+) requires registration of apiaries with the PA Department of Agriculture. Backyard beekeeping not explicitly prohibited; check zoning district for accessory use rules.

Key details: Borough Ordinance: No specific beekeeping rules. State Law: PA Bee Law 3 P.S. §2101+. Registration: Required with PA Dept. of Agriculture. Zoning: Check district for accessory uses.

PA Bee Law violations for unregistered hives. Zoning violations if not permitted as accessory use in district.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Doylestown gives residents more flexibility on beekeeping.

Dog Leash Laws

Doylestown Borough Ch. 2 (Animals) requires dogs on a leash not exceeding 6 feet when off owner's property. Dogs at large may be seized by police. Detained up to 5 days without license tag or 10 days with tag. PA Dog Law requires annual license.

Key details: Leash Length: 6 feet maximum. Impoundment: 5 days (no tag) / 10 days (tag). License: Annual, PA Dog Law. Code Section: Ch. 2 (Animals).

At-large: impoundment 5-10 days, fines. No license: PA Dog Law penalties. Cruelty: criminal charges possible.

Breed Restrictions

Doylestown Borough has no breed-specific legislation (BSL). No pit bull or other breed bans found in the municipal code. PA Dog Law does not preempt local BSL, but the Borough has not enacted any. All dogs subject to general leash and nuisance rules.

Key details: Breed Bans: None. BSL: Not enacted. All Dogs: Subject to leash/nuisance rules. Licensing: Annual, all breeds.

Standard leash and nuisance violations apply to all breeds equally.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Doylestown gives residents more flexibility on breed restrictions.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Doylestown gives residents more room on animal ordinances. 2 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

All of the above reflects Doylestown'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.