Animal Ordinances in Montgomery County, MD (2026)

Montgomery County Code § 5-203(a)(5)

Allow an animal to cause an unsanitary, dangerous, or offensive condition because of the size or number of animals in a single location or because a facility is not appropriate for the animal or properly maintained.       (6)   Allow an animal to cause noise that is loud and persistent enough to disturb another person's quiet enjoyment.       (7)   Allow a dog to be on public school grounds on ...

Montgomery County Code § 5-101 (definitions) and § 5-203(a)(1)

At large: A dog, except a service animal, is at large if it is outside the owner's premises and not leashed, unless it is in a dog exercise area designated by either the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission or a municipality, or is participating in a qualified activity... An owner must not: (1) Allow an animal other than an altered cat to be at large.

Montgomery County Code § 5-202(a)(2)

An animal is dangerous if the animal is: (A) a “dangerous dog” as defined in Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 10-619; (B) any other animal that, without provocation, has killed or severely injured a person; (C) an animal that poses a physical threat to humans because of specific training or demonstrated behavior, or because the animal's bite is poisonous; or (D) a potentially dangerous animal t...

Maryland Agriculture Article Section 5-501 (Bees - Definitions)

Section 5-501. (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) "Abandoned apiary" means an apiary where a beekeeper fails to maintain a colony. (c) "Apiary" means a place where one or more bee colonies may be maintained. (d) "Appliance" means any device used in handling bees, hives, honey, or wax. (e) "Bee" means the common honey bee, apis mellifera, at any stage of de...

Montgomery County Code Section 5-202(a)(1)

Except as provided in subsection (h), a person must not import, sell, trade, buy, barter, breed, raise, keep, or possess: (A) a wild animal; or (B) any animal that the County or any other jurisdiction finds is dangerous or a threat to public health or safety, including types of animals excluded from State law prohibitions on dangerous animals.

Montgomery County Code § 5-203(a)(1)

(a) Violation. An owner must not: (1) Allow an animal other than an altered cat to be at large. An animal that is participating in a qualified activity is not at large unless the animal leaves the activity.

COMCOR 05.00.03.02(a)

(a) Dangerous or Potentially Dangerous Animals. The owner of a dangerous or potentially dangerous animal must have a microchip implanted in the animal for identification, unless the Director determines that it is medically inappropriate... Unless otherwise specified by the Director, the microchip must be implanted within 72 hours of the Division determining the animal is dangerous or potentiall...

Montgomery County Code § 5-407

A retail pet store must not offer for sale any dog or cat unless the retail pet store obtained that dog or cat from: (a) an animal care facility; or (b) a non-profit rescue organization.

COMCOR 05.404.01.04

A person must not provide Groomer, Trainer or Guard Dog services for a fee without an annual license from the Division.          2.   A license issued shall expire on June 30 of each year unless earlier suspended or revoked. A license issued shall be prominently displayed at all times and the license number must be contained in any advertisement.          3.   The holder of any expiring license...

Montgomery County Code, Ch. 59 (Zoning Ordinance), § 59.3.5.1.C

Veterinary Office/Hospital means any structure and land where medical, surgical, and other veterinary care is provided to domestic animals, which may stay overnight only for medical purposes. Veterinary Office/Hospital does not include Animal Boarding and Care... Where a Veterinary Office/Hospital is allowed as a limited use, it must satisfy the following standards: ...an outdoor exercise yard ...