Animal Ordinances in Queen Anne's County, MD (2026)
9 rules for unincorporated Queen Anne's County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
In unincorporated Queen Anne's County, poultry houses and their associated structures must sit at least 100 feet from any property line in the Agricultural and Countryside Districts, with added 300-foot distances near neighboring residences. Existing poultry houses are grandfathered. Under the animal control chapter, livestock must be confined within a fence or enclosure capable of holding the animal.
Queen Anne's County Poultry House and Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsQueen Anne's County Code § 18:1-58
F. Poultry houses, manure storage buildings, outdoor storage of oyster shells, and any other associated structures shall be located: (1) At least 100 feet from any property line in the Agricultural (AG) or Countryside (CS) Districts; (2) At least 300 feet from the common property line when an existing residence, not located on the subject property, is within 300 feet or less of the common prope...
Dog Leash Laws
In unincorporated Queen Anne's County, animals at large are prohibited. A domestic animal off its owner's property must be secured by a leash or lead, under effective control at heel and directly beside its handler, or inside a vehicle. In a public recreation area the animal must be controlled by a leash or similar restraining device.
Queen Anne's County Dog Leash and At-Large Rules
Some RestrictionsQueen Anne's County Code § 9-17
A. Prohibited. ... Animals at large are prohibited. (1) Includes any animal off the property of the owner or custodian without being under restraint. (a) Domestic animals. Under restraint means: [1] Secured by a leash or lead; or [2] Under the effective control of its owner, custodian, or other responsible person (at heel and directly beside) by way of training of the animal and handler; or [3]...
Breed Restrictions
Chapter 9 of the Queen Anne's County Code defines a dangerous animal by conduct, not breed. Section 9-20 covers unprovoked serious injury or death to a human, repeated unprovoked injury off the owner's property, killing or repeatedly attacking other animals, and animal fighting. The Animal Control Commission holds a hearing, and a dangerous animal must be registered annually for at least five years.
Queen Anne's County Dangerous Animal Rules
Significant RestrictionsQueen Anne's County Code § 9-20
A. Dangerous animal. ... (1) Includes any animal that has engaged in one or more of the following behaviors: (a) Inflicted serious physical injury or death to a human without provocation; (b) Inflicted injury of any kind on a human being in more than one incident, without provocation, off the property of the owner or custodian; (c) Killed a domestic animal, domesticated livestock, or livestock ...
Exotic Pets
Under § 9-25 of the Queen Anne's County Code, no one can keep a wild animal in the County unless the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has issued a permit, if one is required, and every wild animal kept in the County must be registered with the Animal Control Office of Queen Anne's County. The rule applies in unincorporated Queen Anne's County, Maryland, including Kent Island.
Queen Anne's County Wild Animal Keeping Rules
Significant RestrictionsQueen Anne's County Code § 9-25
A. Restriction. A person may not keep a wild animal in Queen Anne's County unless a permit to keep the animal has been issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, if required. B. Registration. If a wild animal is kept in the County, the animal must be registered with the Animal Control Office of Queen Anne's County, in accordance with the provisions of regulations issued by the Comm...
Cat Rules
In unincorporated Queen Anne's County, Maryland, a person cannot own, keep, or harbor a cat four months old or older without a current county registration. Registration is permanent, follows one animal for life, and requires a rabies certificate and an implanted microchip unless the Commission waives it. Community cats are exempt from registration under Chapter 9 of the County Commissioners' code.
Queen Anne's County Cat Registration and Community Cat Rules
Some RestrictionsQueen Anne's County Code § 9-12
A. Registration required. (1) A person may not own, keep, or harbor a dog, cat, or ferret four months old or older without a current Queen Anne's County registration. (2) Registration is permanent and remains with the animal for life. (3) Registration may not be transferred from one animal to another animal. ... (5) Community cats shall be exempt from this section. ... C. Rabies certificate req...
Microchipping
In unincorporated Queen Anne's County, an animal must have an implanted microchip before the county issues its registration. The Commission can waive the requirement under appropriate circumstances. When it is waived, dogs must wear their registration tags at all times, and every registration records the microchip number.
Queen Anne's County Pet Microchip Requirement
Some RestrictionsQueen Anne's County Code § 9-12
D. Microchip required. Before a registration may be issued, animals shall have an implanted microchip. The Commission may, under appropriate circumstances, waive the microchip requirement. E. Registration information required. A registration shall include the following: ... (6) Microchip number; ... F. Tag. ... A registration tag shall be issued with the registration certificate. In the event t...
Pet Store Rules
In unincorporated Queen Anne's County, a pet shop is a commercial animal establishment and cannot operate without a license that is renewed annually. Section 9-13 requires written zoning verification from the Department of Planning and Zoning, an inspection by an Animal Control Officer, and approval by the Animal Control Commission.
Queen Anne's County Pet Shop License Requirements
Significant RestrictionsQueen Anne's County Code § 9-13
A. A "commercial animal establishment" is any business whose primary or secondary purpose is the sale, transfer, or conveyance of any animal or animal service for money, except animals or services deemed livestock or domestic livestock under this chapter. Commercial animal establishments include, without limitation: an enterprise engaged in sale of animals; a breeder; a humane society, animal r...
Pet Groomer Rules
In unincorporated Queen Anne's County, a grooming shop or a mobile grooming establishment is a commercial animal establishment and needs an annual license under § 9-13. The Animal Control Commission issues it after an Animal Control Officer inspects the facility and Planning and Zoning verifies the use, and each facility location needs its own license.
Queen Anne's County Pet Groomer License Rules
Significant RestrictionsQueen Anne's County Code § 9-13
Commercial animal establishments include, without limitation: an enterprise engaged in sale of animals; a breeder; a humane society, animal rescue, or similar organization; a pet shop; a petting zoo; a grooming shop; a mobile grooming establishment; an auction; ... D. Inspections. An Animal Control Officer shall be permitted to inspect, at any time and unannounced, all animals and all areas whe...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
In unincorporated Queen Anne's County, veterinary offices are a permitted use in the Agricultural District under § 18:1-14B(28) and in the commercial and village districts, and a conditional use in the Grasonville Neighborhood Commercial District. Kennels are a separate permitted use in the AG District. The AG District's nonresidential standards apply, including a 45-foot height cap for all other uses.
Queen Anne's County Veterinary Office Zoning Rules
Light RestrictionsQueen Anne's County Code § 18:1-14
B. Permitted uses. ... (17) Kennels. ... (28) Veterinary offices.
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