Animals

Dogs

The City of Three Forks is a strong advocate for responsible pet ownership.  Part of that responsibility is vaccinated your furry friend and licensing it with the City.  We require all dogs to be licensed that live within the municipal limits.  Ordinance #6-4A-2 states that every dog over five (5) months of age in the city limits is required to have a license.  The annual license fee is $15.00/dog and shall be paid by April 15th for each calendar year.  It's okay if you missed the deadline.  Licensing your dog with us helps many lost dogs get returned home safely.

No property may house more than three (3) dogs unless they apply for and obtain an "Addtional Dog Permit" which limits the total number to four (4).  This application fee is $100 and if granted, includes the license fee for the first year.  ($30 annual renewal fee.)

Code Compliance also provides the following assistance to all residents and is dedicated to helping protect the health, safety and welfare of both people and dogs in the city limits, such as:

  • Responding to stray animal complaints
  • Barking dog complaints
  • Vicious dogs/dog bites
  • Ordinance enforcement, like obeying the leash law and picking up after your dog.

Chickens

Chickens are allowed in Three Forks as long as the property owner obtains a permit.  The City has set the maximum of 40 chicken permits allowed in city limits.  Ordinance #6-4B covers all regulations related to fowl. Main points are no roosters, max of six hens, and other distance from neighboring property rules, but please read through the full ordinance #6-4B.

Please contact City Hall to apply for a permit or download the application (you may need a Zoning Permit as well) from our Residents/Forms & Applications page.

General rules of thumb OTHER ANIMALS

  • No roosters allowed anywhere
  • No other fowl besides chickens (no turkeys, geese, ducks, etc)
  • No hooved animals of any kind except for as a layover for 24-hours

For all other animal issues, please contact the Gallatin County Sheriff at 406-582-2100 ext 2.

Contact Info

Wally Ziegler
Code Compliance
406-285-3431

dog sitting on bench

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to license my dog?

The main reason is to prove your dog has been vaccinated for rabies.  Rabies is an infection that can be spread from animals to people, and typically a dog bites more often than any other domesticated animal.  When you protect your dog with a rabies vaccine, you also protect our community.

More often than not, licensing your dog helps get it home when it is lost or out wandering the town.  We can search by description (color), sex, breed...and at least call all those with a dog similarly matching that description to see if it is their dog.  However, this saves the dog owner from a trip to Heart of the Valley to reclaim the dog and often save the owner a ticket for "dog at large".

Do I have to license my cat?

No, the City does not enforce felines.

Is there a leash law?

Yes, the City of Three Forks requires all dogs to be on leash and under control of the owner on private property.  See Ordinance #6-4A.