Animal Ordinances in Smyrna, GA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Smyrna, Georgia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
In the City of Smyrna, Georgia, a dog off its owner's premises must be on a chain, leash or tie not exceeding six feet, held by a person able to restrain it. Section 14-11 states that voice control does not count as control, and tethering as a primary enclosure is not permitted.
Smyrna GA Dog Leash and Running at Large Law
Some RestrictionsSmyrna Code § 14-11
(a)General control.(1)It shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal to permit such animal to be out of his immediate control and restraint, or to be left unattended off the premises of the owner, or to be upon the property of another person without the permission of the owner or person in possession of such other property. For the purposes of this chapter, condominium and apartment common pr...
Breed Restrictions
In the City of Smyrna, Georgia, dogs are regulated by conduct, not breed: a dog that inflicts severe injury or bites without provocation must be registered with Cobb County, kept in a proper enclosure and posted with a warning sign. Dangerous dog owners must also carry insurance or a surety bond.
Smyrna GA Dangerous Dog Registration Rules
Significant RestrictionsSmyrna Code § 14-10
(a)Certificate required. It shall be unlawful for any person to have or possess a dangerous dog or potentially dangerous dog without a certificate of registration issued by the county. No more than one certificate of registration shall be granted per person or owner for a dangerous dog or potentially dangerous dog. No more than one certificate shall be issued per domicile.(b)Conditions for issu...
Exotic Pets
In the City of Smyrna, Georgia, Sec. 14-14 makes it unlawful to purchase, sell, own, possess, harbor or breed skunks, foxes, prairie dogs, raccoons, coyotes, wolves, hybrids, exotic cats or any other wildlife, unless licensed by the federal or state department of agriculture. Ferrets are allowed under conditions.
Smyrna GA Prohibited Wild and Exotic Animals
Significant RestrictionsSmyrna Code § 14-14
It shall be unlawful to purchase, sell, own, possess, harbor or breed skunks, foxes, prairie dogs, raccoons, coyotes, wolves, hybrid wolves, any hybrid animal that is part wild animal, exotic cats or any other wildlife unless licensed by the respective federal or state department of agriculture to possess such animal.
Pet Limits
In the City of Smyrna, Georgia, the number of dogs and cats depends on lot size, not household size. One or two dogs need no minimum lot; three dogs need 20,000 square feet, four need 30,000, and five or more need 40,000 plus 10,000 for each dog above five. Cats are limited by a separate lot-size table.
Smyrna GA Dog and Cat Limits by Lot Size
Some RestrictionsSmyrna Code §§ 46-6, 46-7
(a)The keeping of dogs shall be allowed as an accessory use on any lot, provided such dogs are for personal use and enjoyment and not for commercial purposes.(b)The number of dogs permitted shall be in accordance with the following schedule, except that, in determining the number of dogs allowed, only those dogs six months or older in age shall be counted. Number of Dogs Minimum Lot Size 1 to 2...
Cat Rules
In the City of Smyrna, Georgia, every cat must be vaccinated for rabies by four months of age, and a cat over four months cannot be kept without a collar carrying a valid vaccination tag. Cats are also covered by the at-large and heat-confinement rules in Section 14-11, enforced with Cobb County Animal Control.
Smyrna GA Cat Rules: Rabies Tags, Control and Impound
Some RestrictionsSmyrna Code §§ 14-11, 14-96
(a)General control.(1)It shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal to permit such animal to be out of his immediate control and restraint, or to be left unattended off the premises of the owner, or to be upon the property of another person without the permission of the owner or person in possession of such other property. ... (5)Every female dog and cat in heat shall be confined in a buildi...
Mandatory Spay/Neuter
In the City of Smyrna, Georgia, Sec. 14-72 requires animals leaving Cobb County Animal Control by adoption to be sterilized: adopters sign a binding agreement to sterilize within 30 days for animals over six months, and proof is due within seven days of surgery. The section reaches adopted animals, not every pet owner.
Smyrna GA Spay and Neuter Rules for Adopted Animals
Some RestrictionsSmyrna Code § 14-72
(b)CCAC shall accomplish the sterilization of any animal whose period of impoundment has expired or that has been voluntarily surrendered to the county by:(1)Requiring adopters to sign a binding agreement to have the adopted animal sterilized within a period specified by CCAC as follows:a.Within 30 days from the date of adoption for animals over the age of six months.b.Within the first six mont...
Pet Store Rules
In the City of Smyrna, Georgia, Sec. 14-135 bars selling or giving away animals in front of or on property other than the owner's without permission, and lets licensed pet dealers, rescue groups, shelters, veterinarians and humane societies sell or give away animals in retail stores with the business owner's permission.
Smyrna GA Pet Store and Animal Sale Rules
Some RestrictionsSmyrna Code § 14-135
Selling or giving away animals in front of or on private property or public property, other than the animal owner's property, without the owner's permission, is prohibited. A licensed rescue group, licensed animal shelter, licensed veterinarian, licensed pet dealer, or licensed humane society which has all required governmental licenses, registrations and has obtained permission from the owner ...
Looking for Cobb County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Smyrna city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Cobb County →