Animal Ordinances in Fargo, ND (2026)
10 verified animal ordinances for Fargo, North Dakota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Fargo regulates keeping of chickens and livestock through zoning ordinances. North Dakota's agricultural heritage means many communities are more permissive than urban areas in other states.
Fargo Chickens & Livestock Rules
Few RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Fargo requires dogs to be on a leash or under owner control when off the owner's property. Local animal control enforces leash laws and at-large violations.
Fargo Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Fargo may have breed-specific legislation targeting certain dog breeds. North Dakota does not have a statewide breed ban, leaving regulation to individual municipalities.
Fargo Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Fargo allows beekeeping with registration through the ND Department of Agriculture. North Dakota is the top honey-producing state and beekeeping is broadly supported.
Fargo Beekeeping Regulations
Few RestrictionsExotic Pets
Fargo Municipal Code Chapter 4 prohibits keeping wild, dangerous, or exotic animals as pets within city limits, including big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, and most non-domestic species, with limited zoo and educational exemptions.
Fargo Exotic and Wild Animal Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Fargo Chapter 4 and park rules discourage or prohibit feeding deer, geese, and other wildlife on public and private property within city limits, citing disease spread, vehicle collisions, and habituation along the Red River corridor.
Fargo Wildlife and Deer Feeding Rules
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Fargo Chapter 4 and North Dakota Century Code chapter 36-21.1 give Fargo Animal Services and Fargo Police authority to intervene in animal hoarding cases involving inadequate care, sanitation failures, or large numbers of suffering pets.
Fargo Animal Hoarding and Welfare Response
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Fargo Chapter 4 caps the number of dogs and cats per household and requires kennel licensing once a residence exceeds the cap, ensuring sanitation, neighbor peace, and humane care across single-family and multifamily dwellings.
Fargo Household Pet Number Limits
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Fargo Chapter 4 requires cats to be licensed, vaccinated against rabies, and prevented from running at large or repeatedly trespassing on neighboring property, with impoundment available through the Fargo Animal Shelter.
Fargo Cat Licensing and At-Large Rules
Some RestrictionsMicrochipping
Fargo encourages but generally does not mandate microchipping for dogs and cats, while the Fargo Animal Shelter scans every impounded animal and uses chip data to reunite lost pets with owners faster than tags alone allow.
Fargo Pet Microchipping Recommendations
Few RestrictionsLooking for Cass County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fargo city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Cass County →