Can I own as many dogs as I want?The number of dogs you can own in California is capped at three or four depending on the specific municipality you live in. Once you own five or more dogs, you need to get a special kennel permit.
Many cities limit dogs to two or three per household.By
In rural areas, how many dogs you keep on your property is pretty much your own business, as long as the dogs arent a nuisance to the neighbors. But many cities restrict the number of dogs per household, often to just two or three.
The typical rules apply to adult dogs and dont count puppies that are less than a certain age, usually eight weeks to four months or so.
Examples include the city of Roeland Park, Kansas, which limits ownership to no more than two dogs of six months of age or older, or more than one litter of pups, without a permit; and the city of Oakland, California, which prohibits keeping more than three adult dogs (more than four months old) on any one premises.
The goal of cities that limit the number of dogs in one household is to cut down on the problems that dogs can cause in urban areas. Unless owners are vigilant, dogs can create nuisances with their droppings and barking, or cause property damage, or in the worst case, exhibit aggressive behavior.
As one court upholding such an ordinance put it, “too many dogs in too small a space may produce noise, odor and other conditions adverse to the best interests of the community as a whole.” (Zagaris v. City of Whitehall, 594 N.E.2d 129 (Ohio App. 1991).)
If adopted, House Bill 1249/Senate Bill 2002 (click here to read the bill) would impose numerous unenforceable provisions. These include:
A bill has been introduced in the Florida House of Representatives to limit dog ownership and…
AKC’s mission includes working to protect the rights of all dog owners and promoting responsible dog ownership. The AKC abhors neglectful treatment of dogs and strongly supports the humane treatment including providing an adequate and nutritious diet, clean living conditions, regular veterinary care, kind and responsive human companionship and training in appropriate behavior—regardless of whether the dogs are in a kennel, shelter, or even someone’s home.
The AKC also believes that numerical limits do not address the underlying issues of responsible ownership and proper dog care. Instead, the AKC supports reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of all dogs without restricting the rights of owners or breeders who take their responsibilities seriously.
Click here for the Florida House of Representatives’ contact information (If you do not know your district, click here).