Animal Ordinances in Allentown, PA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Allentown, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Allentown bans keeping livestock and fowl within the City. City Code Chapter 163 makes it unlawful to keep or maintain any cattle, swine, sheep, goats or fowl except at licensed slaughtering or laboratory locations, so backyard chickens, roosters, ducks and similar poultry are not permitted in residential areas.
Keeping cattle, swine, sheep, goats or fowl prohibited
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Allentown Codified Ordinances, Chapter 163 (Animals), Article I — Animal Control (former Art. 700.13, Sec. 3)
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any cattle, swine, sheep, goats or fowl in the City except at such places as are provided for slaughtering or laboratory purposes.
Dog Leash Laws
Allentown requires dogs to be confined or leashed per PA Dog Law §459-305. Dog licensing mandatory through county treasurer. Rabies vaccination required.
Allentown Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Allentown cannot ban or restrict any dog breed. Pennsylvania's Dog Law (3 P.S. Sec. 459-507-A) expressly abrogates local dangerous-dog ordinances and forbids any municipality from prohibiting or limiting a specific breed, so breeds such as pit bulls and Rottweilers are legal citywide and are regulated only by behavior under the state dangerous-dog law.
No breed bans allowed; PA preempts breed-specific rules
Few Restrictions3 P.S. Sec. 459-507-A(c) — Pennsylvania Dog Law, Construction of article (local ordinances)
Those provisions of local ordinances relating to dangerous dogs are hereby abrogated. A local ordinance otherwise dealing with dogs may not prohibit or otherwise limit a specific breed of dog.
Beekeeping
Allentown may allow residential beekeeping with hive limits and setbacks. PA Bee Law (3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 21) requires registration with PA Department of Agriculture.
Allentown Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Allentown restricts ownership of exotic and wild animals. Many species require special permits or are prohibited entirely for public safety.
Allentown Exotic & Wild Animal Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Allentown restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisance conditions.
Allentown Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
Allentown does not cap household pets by number directly, but City Code Chapter 163 defines any place keeping more than six dogs or domesticated animals over four months old as a 'kennel,' which is barred from residential zones. Pennsylvania's Dog Law also requires a state kennel license once an owner keeps a regulated number of dogs.
Over 6 dogs/animals (4+ mo) = kennel; license required
Some RestrictionsCity of Allentown Codified Ordinances, Chapter 163 (Animals), Article I — Animal Control (kennel definition)
A kennel is a place, including a dwelling unit, in which more than six dogs or domesticated animals more than four months old are housed, bred, boarded, or sold. Kennels and pet shops shall not be permitted in residential areas as defined in Chapter 660, Zoning.
Looking for Lehigh County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Allentown city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Lehigh County →