The following are unlawful and considered public nuisances:

• Animal waste causing foul or offensive odors.
• Allowing an animal to defecate on property other than the owner’s without clean-up.
• Decaying animal carcasses on property.
• Loud or unusual animal noises (barking/howling) that disturb neighbors.
• Animals running at large for more than 72 hours.
• Leaving food out to intentionally feed strays, except under approved Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program rules.

(Ordinance ref: Sec. 3-14)

Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies when three months old and kept current according to vaccine schedules. After vaccination:

• A rabies certificate is issued, and
• A metal rabies tag must be worn on the collar or harness at all times.

Failing to vaccinate is a violation, with increasing penalties for repeat offenses.

(Ordinance ref: Sec. 3-5)

Animals may be impounded for:

• Running at large
• Lack of current rabies vaccination
• Cruelty or neglect concerns
• Bite/quarantine situations
• Being a public safety threat

Holding periods:

• 24 hours, or
• 72 hours if a current rabies tag is worn.

Owners may redeem impounded animals after paying applicable fees and providing
proof of vaccination. Quarantined animals are released after completing quarantine, per
rules.

(Ordinance ref: Sec. 3-8, 3-9)

Owners and caretakers must provide:

• Adequate nutritious food and clean water
• Clean shelter and protection from weather
• Veterinary care as needed

Additional rules:

• Abandonment is unlawful.
• Permanent restraints (chains/ropes) are prohibited; temporary leash use is
  allowed.
• Cruel treatment, beating, overworking, starving, or abuse is unlawful.
• A driver striking a domesticated animal must report it.

(Ordinance ref: Sec. 3-24, 3-25)

Households may not keep more than four (4) animals that are dogs, cats, rabbits, or ferrets (any combination).

Other rules:

• No more than two permanent outside dogs per household.
• If a female gives birth, owners have 120 days to return to the limit.
• Some animals may be “grandfathered” if registered under previous rules.

(Ordinance ref: Sec. 3-16)

Owning, possessing, or harboring wild, wild-hybrid, or prohibited animals is unlawful unless a valid permit or exemption applies.

Gainesville defines and regulates:

• Dangerous dogs
• Aggressive dogs
• Public nuisance dogs

Multiple convictions may lead to a municipal court order requiring the animal to be removed from the city. Appeals and procedures are specified in the ordinance.

(Ordinance ref: Sec. 3-1, 3-17, 3-33, 3-34)