A small icon of a blue circle containing a stylized lowercase letter "f" in black, resembling the Facebook logo.
Blue circle with a white "X" in the center, representing X (formerly Twitter).
A blue circular icon featuring a white outline of a camera, symbolizing the Instagram logo.
A blue circular icon with a white play symbol in the center, resembling a video play button, representing YouTube.
A small blue circular logo, featuring a bold, white letter "U", representing the Ustream platform.
A group of 16 young dogs and cats, all with a brown, tan and orange color sitting in front of a light blue background.

Animal Ordinances & Public Safety

Black and brown dachshund poking its head out of a small blue bag in a large public space.

DeKalb County animal ordinances are designed to protect residents, promote responsible pet ownership, and ensure the humane treatment of animals. These laws apply throughout the county and are enforced by Animal Services & Enforcement officers.

This page provides a plain-language overview of key ordinances. Residents are encouraged to review the full ordinance code for complete legal requirements.

Licensing & Vaccination Requirements
  • Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies as required by law
  • Pets must be registered and licensed with DeKalb County
  • Proof of vaccination must be maintained
Responsible Pet Ownership

Pet owners are responsible for:

  • Keeping pets properly contained or leashed
  • Preventing pets from roaming freely
  • Addressing excessive noise or nuisance behavior
  • Providing adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care

Failure to comply may result in enforcement action.

Dangerous or Vicious Animals

County ordinances outline procedures for identifying and managing dangerous or vicious animals. These may include:

  • Investigation following an attack or bite
  • Required containment or safety measures
  • Compliance inspections
  • Additional restrictions or penalties
Animal Cruelty & Neglect

Animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect are violations of county and state law. This includes:

  • Failure to provide basic care
  • Physical abuse or abandonment
  • Unsafe or inhumane living conditions

Suspected cruelty or neglect should be reported to Animal Services & Enforcement.

Prohibited Activities

Prohibited activities under county ordinances include:

  • Abandoning animals
  • Selling, trading, or giving away animals in public places or roadways
  • Keeping animals in unsafe or unsanitary conditions
New & Updated Ordinances

DeKalb County periodically updates animal ordinances to address community needs and public safety concerns. Recent updates include clarifications related to:

  • Illegal animal sales and transfers
  • Ownership responsibilities
  • Enforcement authority

Residents are encouraged to review updates and effective dates to ensure compliance.

Penalties & Enforcement

Violations of animal ordinances may result in:

  • Warnings or citations
  • Fines
  • Court appearances
  • Seizure of animals in severe cases

Animal Services & Enforcement officers are authorized to enforce these laws to protect both people and animals.

 

View the Full Ordinance Code

For complete legal language and all animal-related regulations, view the official DeKalb County Code of Ordinances.

DeKalb County Newsletter

Sign Up