Barking dog rules in Atlanta, GA — also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances — define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Atlanta amended its nuisance animal ordinance in 2022 to reduce the barking threshold from 20 minutes to 10 minutes. Fines escalate from $150 to $1,000 per offense.
Atlanta Code §18-11 prohibits any animal from barking, howling, or making noise continuously for 10 or more minutes, or intermittently for 30 minutes or more, to the disturbance of others. The ordinance was strengthened in September 2022. Complaints require at least two unrelated adult witnesses at different addresses, or one adult witness with video evidence. Complainants must live or work within 1,000 feet of the property.
1st violation: $150. 2nd: $250. 3rd: $350. 4th: $500. All subsequent: $1,000.
Atlanta, GA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fulton County.
See how other cities in Fulton County handle barking dogs.
See how Atlanta's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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