Animal Ordinances in Bozeman, MT (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Bozeman, Montana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Bozeman Municipal Code § 8.02.070 lets residents of the City of Bozeman, Montana keep up to 15 hens per permit holder, but only under a city permit, and issuing a permit is a discretionary act. Roosters over three months old are barred, and a chicken house must sit at least 20 feet from a neighbor's inhabited structure.
Bozeman Backyard Chicken Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsBozeman Municipal Code § 8.02.070
A.Keeping of chickens lawful. Subject to the standards in this article, it shall be lawful to keep of up to 15 female domestic chickens (hens) per permit holder. Except as provided in section 8.02.010.A.13.d, chickens kept in accordance with the provisions of this section are not nuisance animals pursuant to section 8.02.120. ... 2.The number of chickens authorized per permit shall comply with ...
Dog Leash Laws
Bozeman Municipal Code § 8.02.080 requires dogs on any street, sidewalk, public way, park or other public space in the City of Bozeman, Montana to be on a leash or chain not exceeding six feet, except in designated restraint-free areas. Owners cannot let any animal run at large or leave one unattended in public.
Bozeman Dog Leash and Restraint Requirements
Some RestrictionsBozeman Municipal Code § 8.02.080
A.It is unlawful for the owner of any animal to fail to keep such animal under restraint or to permit such animal to run at large upon the streets and public ways of the city.B.Any dog, while on a street, sidewalk, public way, or in a park or other public space, other than areas as designated pursuant to subsection G of this section, or upon any private property without the consent of the prope...
Breed Restrictions
The City of Bozeman, Montana defines a dangerous animal by conduct, not by breed. Bozeman Municipal Code § 8.02.010(A)(7) covers any animal that attacks, bites or injures without adequate provocation, and an animal that aggressively bites or injures a person without provocation is prima facie presumed vicious or dangerous. Confinement, muzzling and court hearing rules follow.
Bozeman Dangerous and Vicious Dog Rules
Some RestrictionsBozeman Municipal Code § 8.02.010
7."Dangerous" or "vicious" animal means any animal that attacks, bites, or injures human beings, domestic animals, or livestock without adequate provocation, or which, because of its nature, temperament, training, or other characteristics, would constitute an unreasonable danger to human life or property if not kept, maintained, or confined in a safe and secure manner. Any animal that, without ...
Exotic Pets
Bozeman Municipal Code § 8.02.060 makes it unlawful to own, harbor or keep any exotic animal in the City of Bozeman, Montana without written permission of the city commission, granted only when the animal will not threaten public health or safety. Each animal needs its own annual permit, which expires December 31.
Bozeman Exotic and Wild Animal Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsBozeman Municipal Code § 8.02.060
A.It is unlawful for anyone to own, harbor, keep, or permit at large any exotic animal without the written permission of the city commission. Such permission shall be given only if it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the commission that the animal will not constitute a threat to public health or safety.B.Any person that owns, keeps, or harbors an exotic animal shall make application to th...
Pet Limits
Bozeman Municipal Code § 8.02.050 makes it unlawful to keep more than two each of cats or dogs over six months of age in the City of Bozeman, Montana without a kennel license from the city. The chief of police inspects the premises and approves, denies or revokes each license, with appeal to the city commission.
Bozeman Two Cat or Dog Limit and Kennel License
Significant RestrictionsBozeman Municipal Code § 8.02.050
A.It is unlawful for any person, group of persons in the same dwelling, or family, to keep, harbor, maintain or knowingly permit within the city more than two each of cats or dogs, over six months of age, without first having obtained a kennel license from the city as herein provided. This section shall not apply to licensed veterinarian hospitals or animal shelters, but it is intended to apply...
Cat Rules
Bozeman Municipal Code § 8.02.020(B) requires every person keeping a cat over six months of age in the City of Bozeman, Montana to register and number it annually with the department of finance, with proof of rabies vaccination. Registrations expire December 31, and a late fee applies to renewals issued after February 15.
Bozeman Cat Registration and Rabies Rules
Some RestrictionsBozeman Municipal Code § 8.02.020
B.Every person owning, keeping, or harboring any cat over six months of age within the corporate limits shall cause such cat to be registered and numbered annually with the department of finance and shall pay for such registration an amount as set by resolution of the city commission. Any owner claiming that the owner's cat has been spayed or neutered must show to the satisfaction of the licens...