Keeping Farm Animals as Pets in North Dakota: What You Need to Know

North Dakota is one of the most agriculture-friendly states in the country, and that culture extends to residents who want to keep farm animals not for commercial production, but as companions and backyard livestock. Whether you have your eye on a few backyard chickens, a pair of miniature goats, or a pet pig, the rules that govern your situation depend on far more than state law alone.

Keeping farm animals as pets in North Dakota sits at the intersection of state animal health regulations, local zoning ordinances, and one of the strongest right-to-farm frameworks in the nation. Getting it right means understanding each layer — and knowing that what is legal at the state level may still be prohibited in your city or county. This guide walks you through every relevant requirement so you can make informed decisions before you bring any animals home.

Which Farm Animals Can You Keep as Pets in North Dakota

North Dakota does not have a single, unified “farm animals as pets” statute. Instead, the state regulates animals through a classification system administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) and its Board of Animal Health. Traditional livestock — cattle, horses, swine, sheep, goats, and poultry — are generally legal to own statewide, subject to local rules. The more nuanced picture involves non-traditional species.

Non-domestic animals in North Dakota are classified into three categories of Non-Traditional Livestock. Understanding which category your desired animal falls into determines how much paperwork stands between you and your new pet.

Category 1 animals are those species generally considered domestic, or other species that are not inherently dangerous and do not pose a health risk to humans or domestic and wild species. Category 1 includes turkeys, geese and ducks morphologically distinguishable from wild counterparts, pigeons, mules, donkeys, asses, ratites, Guinea fowl, ferrets, ranch foxes, ranch mink, peafowl, all pheasants, quail, chukar, hedgehog, and degus. Category 1 species do not require nontraditional livestock licensure, but must otherwise comply with the laws and rules of the board.

Category 2 animals are certain protected species or those that may pose health risks to humans or animals, or may be environmentally hazardous. This group includes all nondomestic ungulates such as deer and pronghorn, nondomestic cats not in Category 3, waterfowl, shorebirds, upland game birds not in Category 1, crows, wolverines, otters, martens, fishers, badgers, coyotes, mink, red and gray fox, muskrats, beavers, weasels, opossums, prairie dogs, and other ground squirrels. Owners of Category 2 species must maintain nontraditional livestock licensure.

Category 3 animals are those species determined to pose special concerns, including species that are inherently dangerous or environmentally hazardous. Owners of Category 3 species must maintain nontraditional livestock licensure and are subject to additional housing and care requirements. Ownership of raccoons and skunks is entirely prohibited — a person may not keep a skunk or raccoon in captivity.

For most people interested in keeping farm animals as pets, the practical focus is on traditional livestock: chickens, ducks, goats, pigs, rabbits, and horses. These animals are broadly legal under state law, but local ordinances are where the real restrictions tend to live. You can also explore our overview of farm animals to get a better sense of which species suit a backyard or small-property setup.

Pro Tip: Before purchasing any animal, call the North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division at (701) 328-2655 to confirm current classification status and importation requirements for your specific species.

Zoning and Property Requirements in North Dakota

Your property’s zoning designation is the single biggest factor in whether you can legally keep farm animals as pets. Zoning refers to the division of land within a municipality into different zones or districts, each with specific regulations regarding land use, building size, placement, and other aspects to promote orderly development and protect community health and safety. In North Dakota, zoning is governed by state laws and local ordinances enacted by cities and counties.

Agricultural zoning is focused on preserving farmland and promoting agricultural activities. This zoning category may limit non-agricultural development and establish minimum lot sizes to protect farming operations. If your property carries an agricultural designation, you generally have the broadest latitude to keep farm animals. Residential zones are a different story.

Residential zones may prohibit commercial activities, while agricultural zones may limit types of farming operations. Property owners must navigate these restrictions carefully to ensure compliance and avoid potential fines. Property owners in North Dakota are obligated to comply with zoning laws, which may include obtaining permits before making changes to their properties. Failure to adhere to these regulations can lead to legal actions, fines, and even forced removal of unauthorized structures.

Development within the zoning jurisdiction of a city is determined by that city. This means that even if the state permits a particular animal, a city or township can impose its own stricter rules. Rural unincorporated land typically falls under county jurisdiction, which tends to be more permissive than urban zones. If you are on the edge of a city’s zoning boundary, check with both the county and the municipality before assuming which rules apply to you.

North Dakota’s agricultural heritage also shapes how zoning boards approach animal-keeping requests. The state has a strong tradition of supporting rural land use, and many counties outside major urban centers treat small-scale animal keeping favorably — particularly on properties of one acre or more. For context on how other animal-related laws work in the state, see our article on beekeeping laws in North Dakota, which illustrates how local rules can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to the next.

Lot Size and Number Limits for Farm Animals in North Dakota

North Dakota does not set a single statewide minimum lot size for keeping farm animals as pets. These thresholds are almost entirely determined at the local level — by city ordinance, county zoning code, or township resolution. That said, some general patterns emerge across the state.

In rural and agricultural zones, lot size is rarely a barrier. Properties zoned agricultural or rural residential can typically keep standard livestock — horses, cattle, goats, pigs, and poultry — without a minimum acreage requirement beyond what is practical for the animals’ welfare. The more restrictive rules almost always apply within city limits or in suburban-style residential zones.

• Chickens and small poultry: Many North Dakota cities that allow backyard poultry at all impose flock limits of 4–6 birds and require that roosters be prohibited due to noise concerns.
• Goats and miniature livestock: Where permitted in residential zones, dwarf or miniature breeds are often treated more favorably than standard-sized animals. Lot size minimums of half an acre to one acre are common in city ordinances that allow them at all.
• Horses: Most municipalities require a minimum of one to two acres per horse. Rural county codes are generally more flexible.
• Pigs: Domestic pigs face some of the strictest local restrictions. Many cities prohibit them outright in residential zones regardless of lot size.

For large livestock operations, the state does use an animal unit system to trigger permitting thresholds. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality requires any livestock feeding operation with more than a specified number of animal units to obtain a permit. However, a small number of pet animals on a residential lot falls far below these commercial thresholds.

Pro Tip: Contact your county or city planning and zoning department directly and ask for the specific animal ordinance in writing. Many North Dakota counties post their zoning codes on their official websites, and some use the Municode platform for searchable access.

Permit and Registration Requirements in North Dakota

Whether you need a state-level permit depends primarily on which animals you want to keep. Traditional domestic livestock — cattle, horses, standard pigs, sheep, and goats — do not require a state permit simply to own them as pets. Non-traditional species are a different matter.

Owners of pheasants, quail, and chukar are required to obtain a Permit to Possess, Propagate, or Domesticate (PPD) according to North Dakota Game and Fish Department regulations. The PPD permit is issued through the Animal Health Division of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.

Owners of Category 2 species must maintain nontraditional livestock licensure. A Permit to Possess, Propagate, or Domesticate from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is required for some Category 2 species. Owners of Category 3 species must maintain nontraditional livestock licensure and are subject to additional housing and care requirements. A Permit to Possess, Propagate, or Domesticate from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is also required for some Category 3 species.

Those wishing to have a non-traditional livestock license must have appropriate facilities completed and inspected before submitting an application. This means you cannot simply apply for a license and then build the enclosure — the housing must be in place and pass inspection first.

For licensed nontraditional livestock holders, record-keeping is an ongoing obligation. Inventory reports are due on January 31st of each year. When an annual inventory report is received, the board may evaluate the existing holding facility to determine if it is adequate to contain the number and type of nontraditional livestock for which the license was issued.

At the local level, some cities require a separate animal permit or conditional use permit even for common farm animals. Bismarck, Grand Forks, and other larger cities have their own animal control ordinances that may require registration fees, proof of vaccinations, or neighbor notification before approval. Always check with your city’s planning department in addition to state requirements. You may also want to review our article on pit bull laws in North Dakota to see how local animal permit systems work in practice across different cities.

Housing, Setback, and Sanitation Rules in North Dakota

Housing and setback requirements for farm animal structures — barns, coops, pens, and runs — are governed by a combination of state environmental rules and local zoning ordinances. At the state level, the primary framework concerns larger animal feeding operations, but the underlying principles apply to smaller setups as well.

Under North Dakota Century Code, “location” means the setback distance between a structure, fence, or other boundary enclosing an animal feeding operation, including its animal waste collection system, and the nearest occupied residence, the nearest buildings used for nonfarm or nonranch purposes, or the nearest land zoned for residential, recreational, or commercial purposes.

Zoning ordinances may include setback requirements for agricultural structures, such as barns and silos, to ensure that they are located a certain distance away from property lines or neighboring developments. For small pet-scale operations, local ordinances typically require animal shelters to be set back 10 to 25 feet from property lines and 50 feet or more from neighboring residences, though these figures vary by jurisdiction.

Sanitation is taken seriously across North Dakota, both for public health reasons and to prevent nuisance complaints. Key sanitation expectations that apply in most jurisdictions include:

• Manure must be collected and properly disposed of or composted regularly — typically at least weekly for small operations.
• Feed storage must be secured to prevent rodent attraction.
• Animal enclosures must be kept in a condition that does not create standing water, excessive odor, or fly infestations.
• Dead animals must be disposed of according to state guidelines, which permit composting, burial, or rendering depending on the species and quantity.

Animal production can cause odors, flies, and noise — and North Dakota law gives neighbors and local governments tools to address these issues when they become genuine problems. Keeping your animals’ housing clean and well-maintained is your best protection against nuisance complaints and code enforcement actions. For related context on managing animals responsibly, see our guide on types of flies in North Dakota, which covers the species most commonly associated with livestock environments.

Important Note: If you are importing livestock from out of state, North Dakota requires health certificates and may require disease testing depending on the species. For example, cattle entering the state must meet brucellosis testing requirements administered by the NDDA Board of Animal Health. Check importation rules before purchasing animals from another state.

County and City Ordinances That May Override State Rules in North Dakota

One of the most important things to understand about keeping farm animals as pets in North Dakota is that local ordinances frequently impose restrictions far stricter than state law. Just because an animal is legal to own in the state does not mean the city you live in allows it. Check with your local authorities.

The clearest example is Fargo, the state’s largest city. Fargo city ordinances prohibit owning farm animals as pets within city limits. Farm animals include horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats. This is a blanket prohibition regardless of lot size or animal purpose. If you live within Fargo’s city limits, no amount of acreage makes it legal to keep these animals as pets.

The interaction between state laws and local zoning regulations can be complex, as local governments may have the flexibility to create tailored zoning ordinances. However, local laws must remain compliant with overarching state statutes. This means a city can be more restrictive than the state, but it cannot grant permissions that conflict with state prohibitions.

Outside of major cities, the picture varies considerably. Smaller cities and rural counties tend to be more permissive, particularly for traditional livestock. Some jurisdictions allow chickens and ducks in residential zones with conditions; others require a conditional use permit that involves a public hearing process. Conditional use permits allow for flexibility in the zoning regulations if the proposed use meets specific criteria.

Here is a general comparison of how different settings in North Dakota tend to handle farm animal keeping:

Setting	Typical Permissiveness	Common Restrictions
Rural agricultural land	Most permissive	Few to none for traditional livestock
Unincorporated county land	Moderately permissive	Setback and sanitation rules may apply
Small towns and townships	Varies widely	Often allow poultry and small livestock with conditions
Suburban residential zones	Restrictive	Permit required; species and number limits common
Fargo and larger cities	Most restrictive	Farm animals generally prohibited within city limits

If you are in a smaller city or township that does not have a clear animal ordinance, do not assume it is permitted by default. Contact your city auditor or county planning office and request written confirmation. Roadkill laws in North Dakota offer another example of how state and local rules can diverge in ways that surprise residents — the same principle applies to animal-keeping rules.

Right-to-Farm Laws and How They Apply to Pet Farm Animals in North Dakota

North Dakota has one of the strongest right-to-farm frameworks in the United States, rooted in both statute and the state constitution. Understanding how this law works — and where its limits are — is essential for anyone keeping farm animals, whether as pets or for small-scale production.

In 2012, North Dakota voters adopted a constitutional amendment sponsored by the North Dakota Farm Bureau, stating that “the right of farmers and ranchers to engage in modern farming and ranching practices shall be forever guaranteed in this state.” Missouri is the only other state in the nation with a similar constitutional amendment.

At the statutory level, North Dakota’s Right-to-Farm (RTF) law is codified in NDCC Chapter 42-04. North Dakota’s RTF law centers on protecting certain types of operations from nuisance suits when their activities impact neighboring property, for example through noise or pollution. The types of production that receive protection are expansive, including the commercial production of plants and animals, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, forestry, dairy, livestock, poultry, bees, and any and all forms of farm products and farm production.

A series of conditions clarify the context in which RTF protections apply. If operations meet such conditions — like operating for a year and not being a nuisance at the time it begins — those operations cannot be deemed a nuisance under state or local laws. If conditions around the facility change, the protections for the operation still hold.

The critical question for pet farm animal owners is whether these protections apply to small, non-commercial operations. The honest answer is: it depends. The RTF law was primarily designed to protect commercial farming and ranching operations from nuisance lawsuits filed by neighbors who move near established farms. A single pet goat or a backyard chicken flock is unlikely to benefit from RTF protection in the same way a commercial livestock operation would — particularly if the animals are kept purely as companions with no agricultural production involved.

That said, if you keep animals on agricultural-zoned land and your operation qualifies as even small-scale farming, RTF protections may shield you from nuisance claims related to noise, odor, or flies. State law places limitations on the ability of people affected by agricultural operations to bring nuisance actions to limit or stop such activities under NDCC Chapter 42-04. This protection does not override local zoning prohibitions — it only applies once you are legally permitted to have the animals in the first place.

Key Insight: Right-to-farm protections do not give you the right to keep farm animals in areas where local zoning prohibits them. They protect legally established operations from nuisance lawsuits after the fact — not from zoning enforcement actions before you begin.

If a neighbor files a nuisance complaint against your legally established animal operation, the RTF framework and the constitutional amendment provide meaningful legal footing. If a party challenges the validity of a county ordinance or determination related to animal feeding operations, the court shall award the prevailing party actual attorney’s fees, costs, and expenses. This fee-shifting provision gives landowners real leverage when defending a legitimate operation against an improper local challenge.

For anyone navigating the overlap between animal law and property rights in North Dakota, it also helps to understand how the state handles related issues. Our articles on leaving pets in hot cars in North Dakota and endangered animals in North Dakota provide additional context on how the state balances animal welfare with landowner rights. You may also find our coverage of exotic pets legal in South Dakota useful for comparison, since the two states share a border but take meaningfully different regulatory approaches.

In summary, keeping farm animals as pets in North Dakota is entirely achievable — but it requires doing your homework at the local level before you commit. State law sets the outer boundaries of what is possible, while your city or county ordinance determines what is actually allowed on your specific property. Start with your local planning and zoning office, verify the state animal health requirements for your chosen species through the NDDA Animal Health Division, and make sure your housing and sanitation setup meets both state and local standards before your animals arrive. For broader reading on which animals make sense as backyard companions, our guide on the worst animals to keep as pets can help you avoid costly mistakes from the start.