How many dogs or cats are considered too many in the State of Indiana? While there is no state-level law in The Hoosier State that put a limit on the number of pets a resident can have, municipalities are given the authority to enact their own laws. In other words, the maximum number of dogs or cats you can have in your house in Indiana depends on the city or town wherein you live. Below, I have listed some Indiana municipalities and the maximum number of pets residents can have therein.
1. Indianapolis, IN
The number of dogs and cats residents can own in Indianapolis is not regulated by the City's Code of Ordinances. This means Indianapolis residents can own as many dogs and cats as they can care properly for. However, there are other pet laws that Indianapolis pet owners must comply with. For starters, dog and cat owners must not allow their pets to be at large in the City. A violation of this law could result in a fine of not less than $100.
Indianapolis requires permanent identification of all dogs and cats living within the City. Dog and cat owners can either have their pets microchipped or have them wear a durable collar that displays a permanent tag bearing the owner's current name, address and phone number.
All dog and cat owners in Indianapolis are required by law to promptly remove and dispose of in an inoffensive manner any feces deposited by their pets on any public street, byway, municipally owned or public land, or upon private property. In addition, it is unlawful for any pet owner to knowingly allow their dog or cat to disperse waste material placed for a public or private collection in any place within the City of Indianapolis. An Indianapolis pet owner who violates this law could pay a fine of $25.
Furthermore, it is illegal for any pet owner to keep a dog or cat that, by frequent or habitual howling, yelping, barking, or screeching, causes serious annoyance or disturbances to the peace of nearby neighbors. A violation of this law could result in the pet owner paying a fine of $25, and subsequent violations could result in the impoundment of the animal.
2. Fort Wayne, IN
The City of Fort Wayne in Allen County, Indiana, allows residents to own a maximum of 5 dogs or a maximum of 7 cats at one residence. However, no more than 7 pets are allowed per household in the City of Fort Wayne. You may either own 4 dogs and 3 cats or any combination of both domestic animals. Pet owners may decide to keep one cat and one dog unspayed or unneutered, but all others must be spayed or neutered.
The City Code prohibits pet owners from allowing their dogs to bark, yelp, whine, howl, or make other unreasonable sounds continuously for 15 minutes or a total of 20 minutes in one hour.
3. Hamilton County, IN
Hamilton County Code states that all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies. Failure to comply with this law could result in pet owners paying a fine of $500. In addition, all dogs and cats over the age of six months living in Hamilton County, Indiana, are required by law to be spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian.
According to Hamilton County's website, residents may keep no more than 3 cats or 3 dogs in their houses. The County requires permanent identification of all dogs and cats. Pet owners must not leave a dog or cat unattended in a vehicle in Hamilton County. In addition, pet owners are required by Hamilton County law to promptly remove and dispose of any feces deposited by their dog or cat on public property, public walks, public parks, beaches, recreation areas or private property of others. A pet owner who violates this law may pay a fine of up to $500. This law, however, does not apply to owners of service dogs in Hamilton County.
Furthermore, pet owners must not allow their dogs or cats to become a public nuisance in Hamilton County. An animal is deemed to be a public nuisance in Hamilton County, Indiana, if it is repeatedly found at large, causes damage to another person's property, attacks a human being or another animal without provocation, excessively makes disturbing noises, or creates offensive and objectionable odors.
A pet owner whose pet is deemed a public nuisance animal in Hamilton County may pay a fine of up to $1,500 per occurrence, according to the County Code.
4. South Bend, IN
In the City of South Bend, residents may own as many cats and dogs as they can properly care for and so long as the animals do not create a nuisance. All dogs and cats must be on a leash when they are off their owner's property to prevent them from running at large in the City of South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana. In addition, the City's Code of Ordinances states that all dogs and cats over 6 months of age must have a current rabies vaccination and be licensed.
Further, pet owners must not allow their dogs to disturb neighbors with habitual and consistent barking. Pet owners shall be responsible for the removal of any solid waste deposited by their dog or cat on public or private property within the city limits of South Bend.
Maximum Number of Pets Allowed in Other Indiana Cities
- Bloomington, IN: Allows 4 dogs and 6 cats per property
- Lafayette, IN: Allows 3 dogs and 3 cats per household
- Gary, IN: Allows no more than 3 pets (dog/cat combination)
- Terre Haute, IN: Allows 6 pets (cats and/or dogs)
- Elkhart, IN: Allows 4 dogs and 4 cats
- Mishawaka, IN: Has a 3 pet limit with exceptions depending on a lot size
- Merrillville, IN: Allows no more than 3 pets in residential areas
- Plainfield, IN: Allows no more than 3 dogs or cats
- Valparaiso, IN: Allows 6 pets (dog/cat combination)
- Hobart, IN: Allows 3 dogs and 3 cats per household
- Schererville, IN: Allows 5 pets (dog/cat combination)
- Brownsburg, IN: Allows 4 dogs and 4 cats
- Munster, IN: Allows no more than 3 pets per household
