15 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Westchester County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
Westchester County has no countywide chicken or livestock rule. Each of 45 municipalities sets zoning. Many allow hens (no roosters) on residential lots with setback requirements; others prohibit.
NY Ag & Markets Law requires dogs be under owner control. Westchester County Parks require dogs leashed (6 ft max) in all county parks. Each of 45 municipalities sets local leash rules.
Westchester County cannot ban dogs by breed. NY Agriculture & Markets Law §107(5) preempts all breed-specific legislation statewide. Dangerous-dog designation is case-by-case under §123.
Beekeeping regulated by NY Ag & Markets Article 15 — annual state registration required. Westchester County has no countywide apiary ordinance. Each municipality sets local zoning and hive setbacks.
NY Environmental Conservation Law §11-0512 bans keeping wild animals as pets statewide. Prohibited species include wolves, coyotes, foxes, skunks, primates, and venomous reptiles. DEC enforces countywide.
NY ECL §11-0505 bans intentional deer and bear feeding statewide. Westchester County Parks prohibit feeding any wildlife. Many municipalities ban feeding geese, deer, and feral cats.
Most Westchester County municipalities prohibit livestock including cattle, swine, sheep, and goats in residential zones. Chickens (hens only, no roosters) permitted in many villages with setbacks. Horses allowed in agricultural and some rural residential zones like North Salem and Lewisboro.
Animal hoarding in Westchester County is investigated jointly by local police, SPCA Westchester humane officers, and WCDOH under New York Agriculture and Markets Law Article 26 cruelty provisions.
Westchester County does not impose pet number limits countywide, but most cities and villages cap household dogs and cats through zoning and Chapter 41-style code provisions to prevent nuisance and hoarding.
Cats in Westchester County must be vaccinated against rabies under New York state law, with most municipalities requiring tags and humane care under Chapter 41 standards.
Westchester County and most municipalities charge higher dog license fees for unaltered dogs under New York Agriculture and Markets Law to encourage spay-neuter and reduce shelter populations.
Microchipping is not mandatory countywide in Westchester, but is strongly encouraged by SPCA Westchester, WCDOH, and most adoption organizations as a permanent identification method for lost pets.
Coyotes are common in Westchester County, and NY Department of Environmental Conservation manages them. Residents must avoid feeding wildlife and may haze coyotes; relocation and trapping are restricted.
New York's Puppy Mill Pipeline Act bans retail pet store sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits statewide as of December 2024. Westchester pet stores must source only adoptable shelter and rescue animals.
Wildlife rehabilitators in Westchester County must hold a NY Department of Environmental Conservation license under 6 NYCRR Part 184 to legally possess and treat injured native wildlife species.
4 cities in Westchester County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Westchester County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Westchester County Ordinance Hub →