Do you have a pet in Knoxville or plan to raise animals in Knox County? You’re in the right place – Knoxpedia has all you need to know to about leash laws, pet licenses and more.
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most popular questions asked by those moving to town or new to living in Knoxville. Once you’re finished, you can check out the full Knoxpedia guide and all its categories.
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How many dogs and cats can I have in Knoxville?
In Knoxville, pet owners are allowed to have no more than four dogs and/or cats older than 6 months unless they have a permit for a kennel, boarding facility, pet shop or pet dealership. You are not allowed to keep wild, dangerous or undomesticated animals. You can get permits for domesticated hens, pot-bellied pigs and large snakes, as well as a temporary permit for exotic animals.
In Knox County, the number of permitted pets depends on the size of your lot. The county prohibits keeping exotic pets unless you have a valid permit issued by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Can I raise chickens and farm animals in Knoxville city limits?
You are allowed to own, raise or harbor chickens within city limits. It requires a special Urban Livestock Permit with a $25 fee along with inspections and rule compliance. Female chickens are the only permitted chickens. Otherwise, no poultry or other livestock is allowed within city limits unless special permits are acquired in compliance with zoning laws.
Read more:Animal Control permits in Knoxville
What are Knoxville leash laws for dogs?
Knoxville has a tethering ordinance that went into effect in 2023. The ordinance includes stricter rules about how pets can be transported in vehicles, the size of dog enclosures and when weather conditions require you to bring your pet inside.
In Knox County, there are no leash laws unless you are on county park property, in which case your animal must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. A leashed dog must be in the control of a person who can restrain the animal (i.e., your 6-year-old kid likely doesn’t meet the standard).
Do I need a pet license in Knoxville?
In Knoxville, all pets are required to be vaccinated, registered and licensed. A vaccination and license tag will be issued to each dog and cat when they are registered. Tags must be purchased annually and worn by your pet. Young-Williams Animal Center and most veterinarians in the city offer the sale of city tags. In Knox County, dogs must wear a vaccination tag.
Who do I call about stray pets and wild animals?
For stray animal pickup in the city, call 865-215-7457. To leave a voice message only, call 865-215-8639.
To request pickup for a dead animal, call 311 or 865-215-4311. In the county, call Knox County Animal Control at 865-215-2444 or email [email protected].
If you find a live wild animal, contact the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, which has jurisdiction over wildlife (bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes and coyotes), at 800-332-0900. City and county animal control officers can respond to calls about wildlife that is sick or injured and poses a direct safety risk to the public.
Where are dog-friendly bars and restaurants in Knoxville?
Dozens of bars and restaurants in Knoxville allow dogs accompanied by their owners. The city of Knoxville keeps a list of establishments with dog-friendly patios, including Abridged Beer Company, Merchants of Beer, Aubrey’s and Soccer Taco.
The website bringfido.com has a ranking system for how dog-friendly various bars and restaurants are.
How can I adopt a pet in Knoxville?
Want to adopt your new best friend? You have some options.
Young-Williams Animal Center adoption centers are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (1-2 p.m. is quiet time) at 3201 Division St. and 6400 Kingston Pike in Knoxville. Adoption fees vary by pet type. Applicants will fill out a survey and same-day adoptions are possible, as are trial sleepovers.
The Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley has an adoption center at 6717 Kingston Pike in Knoxville. See humanesocietytennessee.org for updated hours. Fees vary and there’s an application process, but same-day adoptions are possible.
Read more:A list of dog-friendly patios in Knoxville
Have more questions about pets and animals in Knoxville?
If there’s a question you want answered, email us at [email protected].
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