Animal Ordinances in High Point, NC (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for High Point, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
High Point allows up to five hens per single-family dwelling, bans roosters entirely, requires enclosures 40 feet from any dwelling and located in the back yard, and forbids chickens at multifamily properties.
High Point Backyard Chicken Rules
Some RestrictionsHigh Point Code of Ordinances § 12-2-2(b)-(c)
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep enclosures for fowl and/or small animals under this section within 40 feet of any dwelling house or structure used as a dwelling house, unless the house or structure is occupied by the owner of the animal or fowl. ... The keeping of chickens under this section shall be limited to hens and the keeping male chickens (roosters) shall be prohibited. A max...
Dog Leash Laws
High Point Code § 12-2-1 makes it unlawful to let a dog run at large, defining 'at large' as any dog not enclosed, confined, or controlled on a leash, cord or chain.
High Point Dog At-Large and Leash Rule
Some RestrictionsHigh Point Code of Ordinances § 12-2-1
It shall be unlawful for any person owning or controlling any animal or fowl, including dogs, to allow the same to run at large in the city...The phrase "at large" shall mean, in connection with this article, a dog that is not in an enclosure or otherwise confined, or is not under the control of the owner or other person by means of a leash, cord or chain.
Breed Restrictions
High Point's dangerous-dog ordinance is based on a dog's behavior, not its breed: no breed is named or restricted anywhere in Code of Ordinances § 12-2-17. Instead, a dog is "dangerous" if it has killed or severely injured a person without provocation, or "potentially dangerous" after a qualifying bite, attack, or menacing incident, and owning one without complying with the section's enclosure and registration rules is unlawful.
High Point Dangerous Dog Rules
Significant RestrictionsHigh Point Code of Ordinances § 12-2-17
(a)Definitions.(1)Dangerous dog means: a.A dog that: 1.Without provocation has killed or inflicted severe injury on a person; or 2.Is determined pursuant to this section to be potentially dangerous because the dog has engaged in one (1) or more of the behaviors listed in subdivision (2) of this subsection. b.Any dog owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting, or any ...
Beekeeping
Beekeeping in High Point is subject to city regulations and NC state apiary laws. Hives must be managed responsibly with adequate water sources and setbacks. The NC Department of Agriculture registers and inspects apiaries.
High Point Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsN.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 106, Article 55
§ 106-635. Definitions. As used in this Article: (1) The term "apiary" means bees, comb, hives, appliances, or colonies, wherever they are kept, located, or found. (2) The term "bee(s)" means insects of the superfamily Apoidea; in particular, the honeybees, Apis mellifera (L). It includes all life stages of such insects, their genetic material, and dead remains. (3) The term "beeyard" means a l...
Exotic Pets
High Point bans keeping lions, tigers, elephants, bears, or any other nondomesticated animal in a residential area within city limits, under Code of Ordinances § 12-2-4, with the only exception carved out for animals housed in a municipal zoo. A violation draws a $50 civil penalty under the same chapter's general enforcement section, § 12-2-5, and the fine climbs if it goes unpaid.
High Point Exotic and Wild Animal Ban
Heavy RestrictionsHigh Point Code of Ordinances § 12-2-4
Sec. 12-2-4. - Keeping of certain animals prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep any lions, tigers, elephants, bears, or other nondomesticated animals in any residential area within the corporate limits of the city. However, this shall not apply to animals in a municipal zoo. (Code 1958, § 4-7.1)
Cat Rules
High Point bars any animal, not just dogs, from running at large, and separately requires owners of non-dog animals, including cats, to keep them in a substantial pen, coop, or enclosure at all times.
High Point Cats Running at Large Rule
Significant RestrictionsHigh Point Code of Ordinances § 12-2-1(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person owning or controlling any animal or fowl, including dogs, to allow the same to run at large in the city; and it shall be the duty of the police department to take up and deliver to the place designated by the director of police services or his designated agent, any such animal or fowl found running at large. Each person owning or controlling an animal or fowl...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
High Point's Development Ordinance limits outdoor kennels and animal hospitals with exercise yards to the Light Industrial, Heavy Industrial, and Agricultural/Rural districts, requiring a 6-foot fence set back 50 feet from any residential lot line.
High Point Veterinary Clinic & Kennel Zoning
Some RestrictionsHigh Point Development Ordinance § 4.3.4.B.1
Animal Care, Major Outdoor areas used to house or exercise animals shall be enclosed by a fence at least 6 feet in height and located 50 feet from a lot line abutting a residential district.
Looking for Guilford County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement High Point city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Guilford County →