Animal Ordinances in Orem, UT (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Orem, Utah, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Orem permits backyard hen chickens (no roosters) on single-family lots under one acre, with the number scaled to lot size (2 hens at 5,000 sq ft up to 12 at 30,000 sq ft). Larger livestock such as cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and turkeys require at least one acre.
Backyard hens allowed by lot size; livestock needs 1 acre
Some RestrictionsOrem City Code Section 22-6-10.C.7
The keeping of hen chickens (no roosters) shall be permitted in a residential zone on a single-family lot less than one (1) acre [subject to lot-size limits]. Chickens must be kept in a predator resistant coop or chicken tractor at night which shall be set back at least 10 feet from all property lines.
Dog Leash Laws
Orem requires all dogs to be leashed or contained at all times, including in most city parks. The only designated off-leash area is the dog park at Timpanogos Park. All dogs over 4 months must be licensed annually.
Orem Dog Leash Law
Some RestrictionsOrem City Code Chapter 5 - Animal Control
Dogs must be leashed at all times, even in a majority of the city parks. The only city park available to let dogs run free is at the dog park area at Timpanogos Park. No person may harbor or possess more than two (2) dogs or two (2) cats, four (4) months of age or older.
Breed Restrictions
Orem has no breed-specific ordinance, and it cannot enact one. Utah Code Section 18-2-101 prohibits any municipality from adopting or enforcing breed-specific dog rules and voids any that exist, so pit bulls and other breeds are legal in Orem.
No breed bans allowed; Utah state law preempts BSL
Few RestrictionsUtah Code Section 18-2-101 (Regulation of dogs by a municipality)
(1) A municipality may not adopt or enforce a breed-specific rule, regulation, policy, or ordinance regarding dogs. (2) Any breed-specific rule, regulation, policy, or ordinance regarding dogs is void.
Beekeeping
Orem permits beekeeping subject to city regulations. Utah Code §4-2-103 requires registration with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). Hive setback and management rules apply in residential zones.
Orem Beekeeping Rules
Few RestrictionsExotic Pets
Orem's animal control provisions restrict keeping wild or exotic animals. Utah Admin Code R657-3 governs reptile and amphibian ownership. Permits may be required by species. Wild-caught animals are prohibited.
Orem Exotic Pet Regulations
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
Orem limits households to a maximum of two dogs and two cats (four months of age or older) per lot. Dogs over four months old must also be licensed annually and kept current on rabies vaccination.
No more than 2 dogs and 2 cats per lot in Orem
Some RestrictionsOrem City Code Section 22-6-10.C.3
The maximum number of dogs or cats four months of age or older shall not exceed two (2) each per lot.
Looking for Utah County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Orem city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Utah County →