Animal Ordinances in Albany, NY (2026)
3 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 permits up to six hens (no roosters) at any residential dwelling with a hen license issued by the City Clerk under Chapter 115, Article VIII. The application fee is $25. Coops must sit at least 25 feet from any neighboring occupied dwelling, and the lot must provide 200 sq ft of open area for two hens plus 100 sq ft for each additional hen. Larger livestock — goats, pigs, cattle — are prohibited city-wide under §115-31.
Albany Backyard Hens — Six-Hen License (Chapter 115, Article VIII)
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Albany City Code Chapter 115, Article I ("Dogs Running at Large") requires every dog in the city to be restrained by an adequate collar and leash whenever off the owner's property. The dog must be under the control of the owner or a responsible person over 12 years of age. Hoffman Park is the only city park where dogs may be off leash if under voice control. All dogs over 4 months must be licensed with the City Clerk under NY Agriculture & Markets Law Article 7.
Albany Dog Leash Law (City Code Chapter 115, Article I)
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Albany has no breed-specific dog ban. New York Agriculture & Markets Law §107(5) expressly preempts breed-specific legislation: municipalities may run their own dangerous-dog programs only if those programs are not "specific as to breed." Pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and every other breed are legal in Albany. Dangerous-dog adjudications follow the behavior-based framework in Ag & Markets §§121–123.
Albany Has No Breed-Specific Ban — NY Ag & Markets §107(5) Preempts BSL
Few RestrictionsLooking for Albany County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Albany city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Albany County →