Montgomery County, MD Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Animal Noise (Montgomery County Code, Sec. 5-203(a)(6)) - An owner must not allow an animal to cause noise that is loud enough and persistent enough to disturb another person's quiet enjoyment. ($100 fine). Unsanitary conditions - (Montgomery County Code, Sec. 5-203(a)(5)) - An owner must not allow an animal to cause an unsanitary, dangerous or offensive condition because of the size or number of animals kept in a single location or because a facility is not appropriate for the animal or properly maintained. Female animal in heat (Montgomery County Code, Sec. 5-203(a)(4)) - An owner must not allow a female dog or cat in heat to be outside a building or other secure enclosure that prevents attraction of other animals. Dogs on School Grounds and Recreation Areas (Montgomery County Code, Sec. 5-203(a)(7)) - An owner must not allow a dog to be on public school grounds on a day when school is in session, or in a public recreation area during an organized activity, unless the dog is controlled by a leash or similar restraining device. ($500 fine). Vaccination and licensing requirements (Montgomery County Code, Sec. 5-203(a)(9)) - All dogs and cats 4 months of age or older must have a current rabies vaccination and a County license. The rabies tag provided by your veterinarian is NOT a County license - the license must be purchased separately. ($500 fine for vaccination law violation) ($100 fine for licensing law violation). At Large - Any dog is at large if it is outside the owner's premises and not leashed, unless it is a service dog, is in a dog exercise area designated by the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, or is participating in an approved activity. ($100 fine for first offense; $500 fine for each subsequent violation).