District of Columbia Statewide Rule

District of Columbia Chicken and Livestock Keeping Rules

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across District of Columbia (2026)

Key Facts

Backyard chickens: Allowed (common cage birds)
Hogs, cattle, goats, sheep: Not permitted as pets
Animal hobby permit: 7+ larger mammals
Enforcer: DC Health Animal Services
Escalating fine: $33 / $66 / $99

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Washington, DC lets residents keep backyard chickens as captive-bred common cage birds, but hogs, cattle, goats, and sheep are not on the District's permitted-animals list and cannot be kept as pets.

Except as provided in this subsection, a person shall not import into the District, possess, display, offer for sale, trade, barter, exchange, or adoption, or give as a household pet, any living member of the animal kingdom, including those born or raised in captivity, except the following: ... (C) Domesticated rodents and rabbits; (D) Captive-bred species of common cage birds, including chickens; (E) Non-venomous snakes, fish, and turtles ...; (F) Ferrets; and (G) Racing pigeons, when kept in compliance with permit requirements.

View official code

Full Breakdown

D.C. Official Code § 8-1808(j)(1) bars possessing any animal except an enumerated list, and chickens are named explicitly under captive-bred common cage birds, so hens are legal to keep. Traditional livestock, hogs, cattle, goats, sheep, are absent from the list and therefore prohibited as household animals; the Mayor allows only temporary goat and sheep grazing for demonstration or education. Keeping seven or more mammals larger than a guinea pig over four months old requires an animal hobby permit under § 8-1809. The DC Health Animal Services Program and DC Animal Care and Control enforce these rules.

Violations & Penalties

Enforced by DC Health Animal Services and Animal Care and Control. Fines run up to $33 for a first violation, $66 for a second within 24 months, and $99 for each subsequent violation; prohibited animals may be impounded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep backyard chickens in Washington, DC?

Yes. Chickens are captive-bred common cage birds, expressly on the District's permitted-animals list under § 8-1808(j)(1)(D). No hobby permit is required to keep hens.

Can I keep a pig, goat, or cow in DC?

No. Livestock are not on the permitted household-animal list. The Mayor allows only temporary goat and sheep grazing for demonstration or education under § 8-1808(j)(5).

When do I need an animal hobby permit?

Under § 8-1809, keeping seven or more mammals larger than a guinea pig and over four months old requires an animal hobby permit from DC Health.

Sources

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