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Pittsburgh, PA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Barking dog rules in Pittsburgh, PA, also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances, define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.

Key Facts

Trigger
Frequent, habitual barking/howling/yelping
Enforcer
Bureau of Animal Care and Control
Max fine
$500 plus costs per violation
Repeat violations
Each day is a separate offense

Summary

Pittsburgh declares a dog, cat, or other animal a nuisance when frequent, habitual barking, howling, or yelping disturbs the quiet of any person or the community, and bars owners from letting it continue.

Any dog, cat or other animal, which by frequent and habitual barking, howling, screeching, yelping or baying, or in any way or manner disturbs the quiet of any person or the community, or which disturbs or endangers the comfort, repose or health of persons, is hereby declared to be committing a nuisance. No owner or person having custody of the animal shall harbor or permit it to commit a nuisance.

(c) Any dog, cat or other animal which scratches, digs or defecates upon any lawn, tree, shrub, plant, building or any other public or private property, other than the property of the owner or person in charge or control of the animal, is hereby declared to be a nuisance.

(d) No person being the owner or in charge or control of any dog, cat or other animal shall permit the animal to commit a nuisance on any school grounds, City park or other public property, or upon any private property other than that of the owner or person in charge or control of the dog, cat or other animal without the permission of the owner of the property. Where the owner or person in charge or control of the animal immediately removes all feces deposited by the animal and disposes of same in a sanitary manner, the type of nuisance shall be considered abated.

(e) Persons with physical handicaps, defective eyesight or hearing while relying upon a dog specifically trained for these purposes shall be exempt from compliance with subsections (c) and (d) hereof.

(f)

Source: Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaView official code

Full Breakdown

City Code § 633.09(b) makes frequent and habitual barking, howling, screeching, yelping, or baying a declared nuisance if it disturbs the quiet of any person or the community, or disturbs or endangers anyone's comfort, repose, or health. Owners or custodians may not harbor or permit the animal to keep doing it. The City's Bureau of Animal Care and Control handles complaints, and violations of Chapter 633 carry a summary-offense fine under § 633.23(f), with each day of continued violation counted as a separate offense.

Violations & Fines

Summary offense before a Magisterial District Judge; fine up to $500 plus enforcement and court costs. Each day the nuisance continues is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a barking dog a legal nuisance in Pittsburgh?
When it barks, howls, or yelps frequently and habitually in a way that disturbs the quiet of a person or the community, per City Code § 633.09(b).
Who do I report a barking dog to in Pittsburgh?
The City's Bureau of Animal Care and Control, which handles nuisance-animal complaints under Chapter 633.
What's the fine for a barking dog nuisance?
Up to $500 plus costs as a summary offense, with each day of ongoing violation treated as a separate offense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pittsburgh

All Pittsburgh rules

Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania noise ordinances overview

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