Pet Policy
Happy pets, happy neighbors—let’s keep City Square safe and courteous for everyone
Whether you walk a dog at dawn or care for an indoor cat, every pet owner shares responsibility for maintaining a clean, peaceful community. Please review—and follow—these guidelines.
Pet Rules
- Dog Houses:: No constructing Dog houses or pens without ARC Form, or risk $25 per day fines. No dog houses or pens will be approved in view of the street.
- No dogs outside off leash, No Walking Dogs off leash, walk your pet with clean up materials and clean up behind your pet or risk HOA fines under Nuisance Clausel
- No Raising Pets for Business or Profit, No Boarding Pets as a Business
Registration & Tags
| Requirement | Details |
| County License & Rabies Tag | All dogs must display a current Henry County license tag; proof of rabies vaccination required. |
Leashes & Supervision
| Rule | Why It Matters |
| Leash Required | Dogs must be on a handheld leash any time they’re outside a fenced yard—no exceptions in common areas. |
| Fenced-Yard Courtesy | Gates must remain secured; invisible fencing must be active and clearly marked. |
Waste Cleanup
| Guideline | Fine for Non-Compliance |
| Immediate Pickup | Carry bags and dispose of waste at home. |
| “Bag-and-Drop” Ban | Leaving tied bags on sidewalks or in neighbors’ bins is a violation. |
Barking & Noise
| Expectation | Enforcement |
| Quiet Hours | 10 PM – 7 AM—continuous barking, yowling, or squawking that disturbs neighbors may result in a Noise Nuisance citation. |
| Prompt Intervention | Bring pets indoors or address the cause within 10 minutes of the first complaint. |
Breed & Size Limits
| Limit | Notes |
| Aggressive Behavior | Any animal with a documented bite or attack must be removed from the property upon Board notice. |
| Exotic / Farm Animals | Goats, pigs, chickens, reptiles > 3 ft, and wildlife rescues are prohibited. |
LOOSE DOGS: If you encounter a loose dog in City Square, McDonough, Georgia, here's what you can do:
Steps to Take
- Ensure Safety: Avoid approaching the dog if it appears aggressive or frightened.
- Contact Authorities:Henry County Animal Control: Call 770-288-7387 during business hours. For after-hours emergencies, dial 911. https://henryhumane.com/faqs/
- Provide Details: When reporting, include the dog's location, description, behavior, and any visible tags or injuries.
- Do Not Take the Dog Home: By law, stray animals must be turned in to Henry County Animal Control at 527 Hampton Street, McDonough, GA. This allows owners a chance to reclaim their pets. https://henryhumane.com
Additional Actions
- Photograph the Dog: If safe, take a picture to assist authorities and for potential online postings.
Share on Social Media: Post the photo and details on local lost and found pet groups, such as the Missing Pets Henry County Georgia Facebook group. Log in or sign up to view
Community Courtesy
- Keep paths clear – Shorten your leash when passing neighbors.
- Common-Area Damage – Owners are financially responsible for turf repair, shrub replacement, or any damage caused by pets.
Unpaid fines transfer to your HOA account and may affect pool/clubhouse privileges.
McDonough City Pet and Leash Laws
General Leash Requirements
- All pets, including dogs and cats, must be under restraint when off the owner's property. This means they should be secured by a leash or lead with a collar or enclosed within a fence or other enclosure.
Parks and Public Spaces
- In city parks, pets must be leashed with a leash no longer than six feet.
- Pets are prohibited from entering athletic fields or other unauthorized areas within parks.
- Owners must clean up after their pets and dispose of waste properly.
- Tethering pets to trees, plants, buildings, or park equipment is not allowed.
- Pets should not disturb, harass, or interfere with other park visitors or employees.
- Unleashed dogs are only permitted within the designated fenced area at Alexander Park's dog park, and they must comply with specific rules, such as being supervised and having current vaccinations.
Leash and Restraint Requirements
- Pet owners must provide a collar for their dogs or cats, which should display a current rabies vaccination tag.
- Dogs must be restrained by a leash not exceeding six feet in length and be under the immediate physical control of a person capable of preventing the dog from engaging with other humans or animals when off the owner's property.
Dangerous and Vicious Dogs:
- Owners of dangerous dogs must ensure their dogs are leashed (maximum six feet) and under immediate physical control when off their property.
- Vicious dogs must be muzzled and restrained by a leash not exceeding six feet and be under immediate physical control when off the owner's property.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Violations of these ordinances can result in fines, penalties, or other legal actions.
- Specific penalties may vary depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
- For detailed information on enforcement and penalties, refer to the respective city and county codes or contact local authorities.