Animal Ordinances in Nashville, TN (2026)
11 verified animal ordinances for Nashville, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Metro Nashville allows backyard hens on residential parcels under Title 5, with coop setbacks, no roosters in most residential zones, and lot-size thresholds for goats, hogs, and larger livestock under Title 17 zoning.
Backyard Chickens and Livestock in Davidson County
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Nashville requires physical control of all dogs off the owner's property under Metro Code Title 8. Dogs running at large is a civil infraction with a $50 fine per animal. Repeat violations can result in required fencing and impoundment.
Nashville Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Nashville has no breed-specific legislation. Metro Code Chapter 8.08 uses a breed-neutral dangerous dog ordinance with two tiers based on behavior, not breed.
Nashville Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Nashville permits backyard beekeeping under Chapter 8.12 (Miscellaneous Animal Control Regulations) and the Metro Zoning Code. Hives must be setback from property lines and neighbors must be considered. Registration with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is required by state law.
Nashville Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Nashville regulates exotic and dangerous animals under Metro Code Chapter 10.28 (Control of Exotic/Venomous Animals). Many wild and exotic species are prohibited as pets. Tennessee state law also restricts Class I and II wildlife.
Nashville Exotic & Wild Animal Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Metro discourages feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wildlife in residential areas, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency restricts feeding that habituates wild animals or spreads disease. Bird feeders are generally allowed if maintained.
Feeding Wildlife in Nashville-Davidson County
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Metro Nashville prosecutes animal hoarding under Title 5 cruelty provisions and Tennessee state law, allowing seizure when conditions endanger animals. MACC officers and MNPD investigate, and convictions can include forfeiture and treatment orders.
Animal Hoarding and Cruelty Cases
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Metro Title 5 limits the number of dogs and cats a household may keep without a kennel permit. Standard residential lots typically cap at a small number of each species, with kennel licensing required for higher counts.
Pet Limits per Household
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Metro Nashville Title 5 requires cats to be vaccinated against rabies and registered if they leave the property, but does not impose a strict cat leash law. Free-roaming cats may be impounded by MACC if reported as nuisance.
Cat Ownership and Free-Roaming Cats
Few RestrictionsMicrochipping
Metro Nashville encourages microchipping for dogs and cats and offers low-cost chip clinics through MACC. While microchipping is not strictly mandated, registration tags and rabies tags are required for dogs in Davidson County.
Pet Microchipping and Registration
Few RestrictionsCoyote Management
Coyotes are common in Nashville greenways and suburban yards. TWRA manages take rules statewide, while Metro emphasizes hazing, secured trash, and not feeding pets outdoors. Lethal removal in residential areas is tightly limited.
Coyotes in Davidson County Neighborhoods
Some RestrictionsLooking for Davidson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Nashville city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Davidson County →