Animal Ordinances in Mobile, AL (2026)
10 verified animal ordinances for Mobile, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Mobile restricts livestock keeping in residential zones under MCO Chapter 7. Hens may be kept on larger lots with setbacks, but roosters, swine, goats, and cattle are generally prohibited inside city limits without agricultural zoning.
Chickens and Livestock in Mobile
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Mobile City Code Section 7-48 makes it unlawful for any dog or cat to run at large on public property or private property without the owner's consent. Dogs must be on a leash or confined when off the owner's property.
Mobile Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Mobile does not impose breed-specific bans. Alabama law allows behavior-based dangerous dog provisions. Dogs that have bitten or shown aggression may be declared dangerous regardless of breed.
Mobile Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Mobile permits beekeeping subject to general nuisance provisions. Alabama supports beekeeping through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Hives should be managed with adequate setbacks.
Mobile Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Mobile restricts wild and exotic animals within city limits. Venomous reptiles, large predators, and primates are generally prohibited. Alabama Department of Conservation regulates wildlife possession.
Mobile Exotic & Wild Animal Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Mobile prohibits feeding nuisance wildlife such as raccoons, feral hogs, and alligators under MCO Chapter 7 and state law. Coastal proximity makes alligator feeding a particular concern, with state wildlife officials enforcing alongside city code.
Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Mobile addresses animal hoarding through MCO Chapter 7 cruelty provisions and Alabama state cruelty law. Mobile Animal Services and police partner on welfare seizures when conditions endanger animals, with cases referred to municipal or circuit court.
Animal Hoarding Enforcement
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Mobile limits the number of dogs and cats per single-family residence under MCO Chapter 7. Exceeding the cap requires a kennel or hobby breeder permit and triggers additional zoning and inspection requirements through Mobile Animal Services.
Pet Limits per Household
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Mobile takes a relatively permissive approach to outdoor cats under MCO Chapter 7. Owners must keep cats vaccinated for rabies, and trap-neuter-return colonies operate with shelter cooperation, though nuisance cats can still trigger code action.
Cat Rules and Free-Roaming Cats
Few RestrictionsMicrochipping
Mobile encourages but does not mandate citywide microchipping for dogs and cats. Animals adopted from Mobile Animal Services receive chips at intake, and chipped pets returned by the shelter benefit from streamlined reclaim under MCO Chapter 7.
Pet Microchipping in Mobile
Few RestrictionsLooking for Mobile County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Mobile city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Mobile County →