Animal Ordinances in Matthews, NC (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Matthews, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Matthews permits backyard chickens in single-family residential zones with limits on number, coop setbacks, and a prohibition on roosters within the town limits.
Animals: Chickens Backyard
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Matthews requires dogs to be leashed or under physical restraint whenever off the owner's property, enforced through Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control under the countywide animal ordinance.
Animals: Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Matthews has no breed-specific legislation; dangerous dog determinations follow behavior-based standards under N.C.G.S. 67-4.1 and the Mecklenburg County dangerous-dog process.
Animals: Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Beekeeping is permitted in Matthews residential zones subject to setback requirements in the UDO, with registration encouraged through the NC Department of Agriculture apiary inspection program.
Animals: Beekeeping
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Matthews prohibits keeping wild and exotic animals in residential areas, adopting the Mecklenburg County exotic animal restrictions which ban venomous reptiles, large cats, primates, and similar species.
Animals: Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Matthews discourages feeding of wildlife through nuisance and rabies-prevention provisions, with specific prohibitions on feeding deer in the countywide ordinance and on feeding that attracts rats or bears.
Animals: Wildlife Feeding
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
Matthews and Mecklenburg County limit households to a combined total of typically 5 dogs and cats over 4 months of age, with kennel licensing required above that threshold.
Animals: Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Mecklenburg County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Matthews city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Mecklenburg County →