Animal Ordinances in Bergen County, NJ (2026)

7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Bergen County, New Jersey.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Bergen County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Chickens & Livestock

Bergen County does not regulate backyard chickens or livestock at the county level. Each of the 70 municipalities sets its own rules through local zoning and animal control ordinances, with substantial variation across towns.

Bergen County Chickens and Livestock Rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Dog Leash Laws

Bergen County requires dogs to be leashed at all times in county parks under the Bergen County Park System rules. Leashes must not exceed six feet, and owners must clean up waste immediately.

Bergen County Dog Leash Requirements at Parks

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Breed Restrictions

Bergen County does not impose breed-specific dog restrictions. New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 4:19-36) preempts municipalities and counties from enacting breed-discriminatory ordinances against pit bulls or other specific breeds.

Bergen County Breed-Specific Dog Restrictions

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Beekeeping

Bergen County does not regulate beekeeping countywide. New Jersey's Beekeeping Industry Act (N.J.S.A. 4:7-41 et seq.) governs hive registration with the state, while individual municipalities may impose lot-size and setback rules.

Bergen County Beekeeping and Hive Regulations

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Exotic Pets

Bergen County follows New Jersey's strict statewide exotic pet regulations under N.J.A.C. 7:25-4. Most non-native species, including primates, large reptiles, and big cats, require state Division of Fish and Wildlife permits or are prohibited entirely.

Bergen County Exotic Pet Ownership Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Wildlife Feeding

Bergen County does not have a countywide wildlife feeding ordinance, but New Jersey prohibits feeding black bears under N.J.S.A. 23:2A-14. Many Bergen County municipalities ban feeding deer, geese, and other wildlife.

Bergen County Wildlife Feeding Restrictions

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Animal Hoarding

Bergen County enforces animal hoarding cases under New Jersey's animal cruelty statutes (N.J.S.A. 4:22). Local police, county prosecutors, and the Bergen County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals investigate hoarding complaints.