Animal Ordinances in Maine (2026)
13 rules on the books across Maine, 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.
Maine: statewide
StatewideFew RestrictionsMaine state law sets no uniform rule on backyard chickens or small livestock. Each city or town establishes hen counts…
Read full rule →Portland
Some RestrictionsPortland allows up to six female chickens per lot for personal, non-commercial use, no permit required since 2017…
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.
Maine: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsMaine state law prohibits owners from allowing dogs to run at large (except when used for hunting); municipalities may…
Read full rule →Portland
Some RestrictionsPortland bans dogs at large citywide, defining that as unleashed on public streets or city property beyond an…
Read full rule →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.
Exotic Pets
Which non-traditional pets are allowed or banned, such as reptiles, ferrets, potbelly pigs, and other exotic animals.
Maine: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsMaine prohibits keeping wildlife (including most exotic mammals, large reptiles, and birds of prey) without a permit…
Read full rule →Portland
Heavy RestrictionsPortland outlaws traveling animal acts featuring wild or exotic species. City Code Article VI (§§ 5-506–5-509) bans any…
Read full rule →Wildlife Feeding
Rules about feeding wild animals like deer, coyotes, or feral cats, and requirements for securing trash to prevent wildlife encounters.
Maine: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsMaine prohibits intentionally baiting bear outside the regulated hunting season and restricts deer feeding that creates…
Read full rule →Portland
Light RestrictionsPortland bars feeding wildlife like pigeons and squirrels on public property within the Downtown District, but the rule…
Read full rule →Pet Limits
Maximum number of cats, dogs, or other companion animals allowed per household, including counts that trigger kennel-license requirements.
Pet Store Rules
Restrictions on retail pet sales, including bans on commercially bred dogs and cats and rescue-only sourcing requirements.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Where veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and emergency animal-care facilities may be located, including overnight-boarding and noise buffers.