Animal Ordinances in Albany, NY (2026)
4 verified animal ordinances for Albany, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Albany bans farm animals and livestock citywide but allows up to six hens per lot with a City Clerk license, lot-area minimums, and a 25-foot setback from neighboring homes; roosters are prohibited.
Albany Allows Up to Six Backyard Hens
Significant RestrictionsAlbany City Code § 115-32
The owner or primary occupant of any dwelling may be permitted to keep on the lot containing the dwelling a maximum of six hens, provided that: A. The property has 200 square feet of total lot area exclusive of buildings for the keeping of two hens, with an additional 100 square feet for every additional hen up to the maximum of six hens permitted; B. No person shall keep any rooster (mal...
Dog Leash Laws
Albany requires every dog to be restrained by a collar and leash at all times, with stricter control rules inside city parks except Hoffman Park.
Albany Dog Leash and At-Large Rules
Some RestrictionsAlbany City Code § 115-2
Pursuant to the authority granted to the City of Albany by Article 7 of the New York Agriculture and Markets Law, it shall be unlawful for any owner of, or any person harboring, any dog in the City of Albany to permit or allow such dog to: Run at large. All dogs are to be restrained by an adequate collar and leash, except that within the parks in the City of Albany, not including Hoffman Park, ...
Breed Restrictions
Albany has no breed-specific ban. City Code Chapter 115, Article VII lets an animal control officer seize any dog whose conduct meets the code's definition of "vicious" and have it declared vicious by the City Court, triggering mandatory insurance, tethering and registration.
Albany's Dangerous Dog Law Is Behavior-Based, Not Breed
Significant RestrictionsAlbany City Code § 115-22
VICIOUS DOG A. Any dog: (1) Which, when unprovoked, approaches a person in a vicious or terrorizing manner in an apparent attitude of attack upon the streets, sidewalks or any public grounds or places; (2) With a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack unprovoked, cause injury or otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals; (3) Which bites, inflicts...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Albany's zoning code limits veterinary facilities to serving domestic pets and household animals outside the I-1 and I-2 industrial districts, and bars them within 300 feet of a residential zoning district unless every animal is kept indoors.
Albany Veterinary Clinics: 300-Foot Setback
Some RestrictionsAlbany City Code § 375-303(4)(a)(iii)
Veterinarian or kennel. A. Veterinary facilities shall be limited to serving domestic pets and household animals except within the I-1 and I-2 Districts. B. No such use shall be located closer than 300 feet to any residential zoning district, unless all animals are kept indoors. (b) Food, beverage, and consumption service. (i) Bar or tavern. (Reserved) (ii) Cannabis consumption ...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Albany city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Albany County →