The City allows residents to keep chickens in a detached structure in areas zoned as R-1 or R-2 (residential zoning). No more than three hen chickens shall be kept on a property at any time. Roosters or male chickens are prohibited from being kept at the property. The slaughter of any chicken is prohibited within the City.  

If you are interested in keeping hen chickens on your property, contact the Community and Economic Development Department at 248-546-2366.

Check out the City's ordinance to learn more about how to property keep hen chickens on your property. 

Yes. The City of Ferndale does not allow dogs to be unleashed in any park or playground in the city. Dogs being walked in the City's right of way shall also be under reasonable control. If you wish to report a loose dog in a public area, contact Ferndale Police Department non-emergency at 248-541-3650.

Yes, there are several Oakland County "no-kill" shelters—that is, shelters that do not euthanize healthy or treatable animals even when the shelter is full—including:

Almost Home
25503 Clara Ln. 
Southfield, MI
248-200-2695

New Beginnings Animal Rescue
2502 Rochester Rd. 
Royal Oak, MI
248-543-4070

Michigan Animal Rescue League
790 Featherstone St.
Pontiac, MI
248-335-9290

All dogs over four months of age are required to have a valid license. Licenses expire annually on December 31. To purchase your license, you must present a rabies vaccination certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian and proof that the animal has been spayed or neutered. Licenses are issued as a metal tag that dogs are required to wear at all times.

Effective January 1, 2018:

• Spayed/Neutered: $10.50 (3 year license $28.50)
• Senior Citizen Price*: $9.75 (3 year license $26.25)
• Male/Female: $18.00 (3 year license $51.00)
• Senior Citizen Price*: $16.50 (3 year license $46.50)
• Delinquent after June 1st: $33.00

Purchase your license at City Hall during regular business hours or through Oakland County Animal Control. 

The Department of Public Works can assist with removing animals from the road. Contact them at 248-546-2514 during regular business hours (Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.).

City Code states that residents shall keep no more than three dogs upon their premises.

Yes. Yards, the public right of way, and exercise dog runs shall be kept free of dog droppings and uneaten food and maintained in a sanitary manner so as not to be a nuisance because of odor or attraction for flies and vermin.

City Code states that residents shall keep no more than three cats upon their premises. No licensing is required.