How many dogs or cats are allowed per household in the State of Alabama? To this question, there is no definitive answer, as it largely depends on the specific code of ordinance of the Alabama city in which you reside. However, as a general rule of thumb, the number of pets you can have in your house in most Alabama municipalities is between three and four.
So, if you are planning on having more than four dogs or cats in Alabama, you might want to check your local animal laws to ensure you are in full compliance with them. In this article, you will discover the number of dogs and cats allowed per household, as well as other animal laws in some cities in The Yellowhammer State.
Huntsville, AL
In Huntsville, a city in Madison County and Limestone County, AL, you can have three dogs or cats in your house. However, you can have more dogs or cats if you can keep them indoors, as the City's Code of Ordinances only allows three dogs or cats to be outside the residence and on the premises.
All dogs and cats over the age of four months in Huntsville must be licensed. Every dog or cat owner in the City of Huntsville must remove and dispose of any feces deposited by the pet upon the grounds of any public park or public place. In addition, Huntsville dog owners must keep their pets under effective restraint while in a public place within the city.
Birmingham, AL
In the City of Birmingham, AL, a maximum of four dogs or cats aged six months or older is allowed per household. This regulation, however, does not apply to people living in the AG District. Every Birmingham dog owner must at all times confine their dog or dogs to the limits of their own premises. Additionally, it is unlawful for dog owners to tether a dog or other animal with a chain or to a fixed point in the City of Birmingham, AL.
Montgomery, AL
You can have as many dogs or cats as you can care for in Montgomery, Alabama, as the County Code of Ordinances does not regulate the number of pets residents may have in their homes. However, there are other animal laws that Montgomery pet owners must comply with.
It is illegal for pet owners to keep a dog or cat that habitually makes disturbing noises including, but not limited to barking, yelping, whining, or other utterances that cause unreasonable annoyance or discomfort to neighbors. The running at large of dogs is prohibited in Montgomery County, AL.
In the City of Montgomery, AL, it is required by law that all dogs and cats be implanted with a microchip. Furthermore, it is illegal, as it is in every US county and city, for a pet owner to knowingly abandon any animal or litter of any animal within the city of Montgomery.
Mobile, AL
The City of Mobile in Mobile County, Alabama, allows pet owners to have as many dogs and cats as they can care for. The City's Code of Ordinances states that Mobile City residents must keep pets in such sufficient numbers that they can be properly housed or cared for. Keeping a number of pets that you can not properly care for is considered animal hoarding, an offense that is subject to confiscation of the animals in addition to other criminal penalties in the City of Mobile.
Furthermore, pet owners living within the city limits of Mobile are required to immediately remove and dispose of in a sanitary manner any solid waste deposited by their pets on any sidewalk, public park, alley, or other public places.
Tuscaloosa, AL
In the City of Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County, AL, pet owners can have three dogs and three cats in their residences. Tuscaloosa pet owners are expected and required by law to exercise control over their dogs, cats, or other domestic animals in such a manner and to such an extent as to prevent damage, inconvenience, annoyance or alarm to others. In addition, pet owners must not allow their dogs to run at large in the City of Tuscaloosa.
Dog Breeds That Are Outlawed in Alabama
At the state level, no dog breed is banned in Alabama. However, some cities in Alabama ban certain breeds of dogs that they deem dangerous or vicious. Pit bulls are banned in the Alabama cities of Albertville, Center Point, Fayette, Jacksonville City, Lanett, Midfield, and Tarrant, according to BSL Census. In addition, Rottweilers are declared "Vicious" in the city of Tarrant, and Presa Canarios are banned in the city of Lanett.
