Animal Ordinances in District of Columbia (2026)
17 rules on the books across District of Columbia, 1 city or county. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Chickens & Livestock
Combined rules for keeping chickens and other livestock such as goats, rabbits, and ducks on residential property, including lot size requirements.
District of Columbia: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsWashington, DC lets residents keep backyard chickens as captive-bred common cage birds, but hogs, cattle, goats, and…
Read full rule →Washington
Heavy RestrictionsWashington, D.C. does not allow chickens, ducks, goats, or other livestock to be kept as household pets. D.C. Code §…
Read full rule →Dog Leash Laws
When and where dogs must be on a leash, off-leash park rules, leash length limits, and penalties for dogs running loose.
Breed Restrictions
Bans or special requirements for specific dog breeds, including breed-specific legislation, muzzle requirements, and insurance mandates.
Beekeeping
Rules for keeping bees in residential areas, including hive placement, number of colonies allowed, and registration requirements.
District of Columbia: statewide
StatewideSignificant RestrictionsEvery honey bee colony kept in the District of Columbia must be registered annually with the Department of Energy and…
Read full rule →Washington
Some RestrictionsWashington, D.C. requires every honeybee colony to be registered annually with the Department of Energy and Environment…
Read full rule →Exotic Pets
Which non-traditional pets are allowed or banned, such as reptiles, ferrets, potbelly pigs, and other exotic animals.
District of Columbia: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsWashington DC bans keeping wild animals as household pets under D.C. Official Code § 8-1808(j). Only a short list…
Read full rule →Washington
Some RestrictionsDC regulates exotic pet ownership under DC Code 8-1801 through 8-1814 and the DC Health Department. Certain wild and…
Read full rule →Pet Limits
Maximum number of cats, dogs, or other companion animals allowed per household, including counts that trigger kennel-license requirements.
District of Columbia: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsThe District has no dedicated hoarding statute, but DC Official Code § 22-1001 makes it a crime to keep animals while…
Read full rule →Washington
Some RestrictionsIn Washington, D.C., anyone who owns or keeps 7 or more mammals larger than a guinea pig and over 4 months old must…
Read full rule →Cat Rules
Rules specific to cats, outdoor roaming, feral cat colonies, leash laws (yes, some cities require them), and licensing requirements.
Mandatory Spay/Neuter
Requirements that dogs and cats over a certain age be sterilized, with intact-animal permits, exemptions for breeders, and penalties for noncompliance.
Microchipping
Mandates that dogs and cats be microchipped before leaving a shelter or by a certain age, including registration and tag requirements.
Pet Groomer Rules
Health and safety standards for commercial pet grooming, including animal-handling certifications, sanitation, and zoning where mobile groomers may operate.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Where veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and emergency animal-care facilities may be located, including overnight-boarding and noise buffers.
Bird Protection
Local rules protecting specific bird species (LAMC §53.55), including penalties for trapping or harming protected species and bird-safe building design.
Wildlife Rescue Permits
CDFW and city permits required to rehabilitate injured wildlife, including the Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit program and approved holding facilities.