10 rules for unincorporated Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
Verified from official government sources
Delaware County sets no rule on backyard chickens or livestock — this is municipal zoning. Each of the 49 boroughs and townships decides whether hens are permitted, how many, and setbacks. Densely built areas like Upper Darby generally prohibit poultry; check your municipal zoning code.
53 P.S. §10601 (PA Municipalities Planning Code)
The governing body of each municipality, in accordance with the conditions and procedures set forth in this act, may enact, amend and repeal zoning ordinances to implement comprehensive plans and to accomplish any of the purposes of this act.
Delaware County has no countywide leash law. Under the statewide PA Dog Law, every dog must be confined to the owner's premises, secured by a collar and chain, or under a person's reasonable control. Your borough or township sets any local leash rule; county parks require leashing.
Pennsylvania prohibits breed-specific bans: the PA Dog Law bars municipalities from regulating dangerous dogs by breed. Instead, any dog — regardless of breed — that attacks or severely injures may be declared a 'dangerous dog' and must be confined in a proper enclosure. Delaware County adds no breed rule.
Delaware County sets no beekeeping rule. Statewide, the PA Bee Law requires every beekeeper to register apiaries with the PA Department of Agriculture ($10 for about two years). Whether hives are allowed on your lot and any setbacks are set by your borough or township zoning.
Delaware County has no exotic-pet ordinance. Pennsylvania regulates exotic wildlife statewide: a Game Commission permit is required to possess exotic wildlife such as bears, big cats, wolves, and certain reptiles. Some venomous and native species are restricted or barred. Your municipality may add zoning limits.
Delaware County has no general wildlife-feeding ordinance, but Pennsylvania restricts feeding certain wildlife statewide. The PA Game Commission bans intentional feeding of bears, elk, and deer, and can prohibit feeding that causes a nuisance or spreads disease. Your municipality may add local anti-feeding rules.
Delaware County sets no livestock ordinance. Whether you can keep cattle, horses, goats, pigs, or sheep is decided by your borough or township zoning under the PA Municipalities Planning Code. Densely developed Delco municipalities generally bar livestock; only lower-density townships permit it on qualifying lots.
53 P.S. §10601 (PA Municipalities Planning Code)
The governing body of each municipality, in accordance with the conditions and procedures set forth in this act, may enact, amend and repeal zoning ordinances to implement comprehensive plans and to accomplish any of the purposes of this act.
Delaware County has no separate hoarding ordinance, but Pennsylvania's animal-cruelty and neglect laws apply countywide. Failing to provide necessary food, water, shelter, and vet care is a summary or misdemeanor offense. Providence Animal Center conducts humane law enforcement across Delaware County.
Delaware County sets no cap on how many dogs or cats you may own. Under state law, any dog three months or older must be licensed with the County Treasurer, and a kennel license is required for keeping large numbers. Municipal codes may cap household pet numbers.
Delaware County has no cat-specific ordinance and Pennsylvania's Dog Law does not cover cats, so there is no statewide licensing or leash rule for cats. Any rules on free-roaming, feral colonies, or cat numbers come from your borough or township. Providence Animal Center handles cat rescue and adoption.
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