Animal Ordinances in Atlanta, GA (2026)

Atlanta Code of Ordinances § 18-7

Small animals, such as dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, turkeys and the like, may be kept within the city limits... d. Chickens and similar fowl, two square feet per bird over four months of age... (2) Location... a. Distance from any residence, except that of owner, or any business establishment, 50 feet... (3) Maximum number... c. Turkeys, chickens, bantams or similar fowl, 25.

Atlanta Code of Ordinances § 18-124(b)(1)

It shall be unlawful for the owner, custodian or harborer of any dog to allow or permit such dog to leave the premises of the owner or other person having custody of the dog unless such dog is securely under leash; said leash being not more than six feet long, and under the control of a competent person.

Atlanta Code of Ordinances § 18-10

The ordinances contained in this chapter which apply to dogs shall be enforced against all dogs generally, and shall not be interpreted as being applicable to any specific breed of dog to the exclusion of any others.

Atlanta Code of Ordinances § 18-127(a)

All skunks, except pen raised skunks, and all foxes from whatever geographic region including Alaska and Canada are forbidden to be purchased, sold, owned, possessed, or harbored. Pen raised skunks and foxes in possession as of July 1, 1987, are grandfathered.(b)Pen raised skunks, other than black and white skunks, may be purchased and kept as pets after securing a permit from the Fulton County...

Atlanta Code of Ordinances § 18-129(b)(4)

(b)It shall be unlawful for any person to keep any domestic animal or livestock except under the following conditions:...(4)Except in the areas zoned for agriculture, the maximum number of domestic animals or livestock that may be kept on any single premises shall not exceed the following (exceptions: licensed veterinary hospitals, commercial kennels, grooming parlors, and public and commercial...

Atlanta Code of Ordinances § 18-120(a)

It shall be the duty of each owner, custodian, or harborer of any dog or cat over four months of age kept, maintained, or harbored within the unincorporated area of Fulton County, or within any municipality in Fulton County, who has or may enter into an agreement with Fulton County for animal control services, to obtain a dog/cat license for such dog or cat.(b)It shall be the duty of all person...

Atlanta Code of Ordinances § 18-172(b)(1)

Written evidence that the animal is permanently identified by insertion of a microchip by a licensed veterinarian. Said chip must be registered with the chip parent company and Fulton County Animal Control within 30 days of an order classifying the animal as dangerous or vicious or within such later time as specified by a court of competent jurisdiction or within 30 days of the conclusion of an...

Atlanta Code of Ordinances § 18-212

A pet shop shall not sell, deliver, offer for sale, barter, auction, or otherwise dispose of dogs or cats. Nothing in this section shall prevent a pet shop from providing space and appropriate care for dogs or cats offered for adoption and owned by an animal care facility or an animal rescue organization.(b)A pet shop shall not offer for adoption any dog or cat which is younger than eight weeks...

Atlanta Code of Ordinances § 16-16A.004(3)(n)

(n)Pet grooming and care, overnight boarding of pets is prohibited.(o)Professional or personal service establishments.(p)Retail establishments not exceeding 30,000 square feet in floor area.(q)Structures and uses required for operation of MARTA or a public utility, including uses involving extensive storage and railway rights-of-way and yards.(r)Small discount variety stores, provided that no s...

Atlanta Code of Ordinances § 16-11.003(20)

(20)Offices, clinics (including veterinary if animals are kept within soundproof buildings), laboratories, studios, and similar uses, but not blood donor stations except at hospitals.