Is there a limit to the number of dogs or cats you can own in the state of Kentucky? There is no state-wide law in Kentucky that limit the number of dogs or cats a resident can own. However, municipalities in the Bluegrass State may impose their own restrictions. While some cities in Kentucky allow up to six dogs or cats per residence, most cities don't place a limit on the number of pets residents can own. Listed in this article are some Kentucky cities and the maximum number of cats and dogs allowed per household therein.
Louisville, KY
In the City of Louisville, the maximum number of dogs you can own depends on the size of your property. A maximum of 3 dogs is allowed on parcels less than a half acre while a maximum of 7 dogs is allowed on parcels between half an acre and two acres. Louisville does not place a limit on the number of cats a resident can own, meaning you can own as many cats as you can properly care for if you reside within the city limits of Louisville.
However, pet owners in Louisville are required to control their animals, as nuisances are prohibited in the city. Your pet is deemed to constitute a nuisance in Louisville if it indirectly injures or threatens the safety of a member of the general public, or acts in a manner that irritates, perturbs or damages rights and privileges common to the public or enjoyment of private property.
Louisville animal ordinance requires that all dogs and cats be kept under restraint at all times. All dogs, cats, and ferrets in Louisville must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed. The license fee per altered dog, cat and ferret is $10 per year or $27/3yrs. Per unaltered dog, cat and ferret, the annual license is $60.
If your cat, dog, or ferret bites someone in Louisville, the pet shall be quarantined for 10 days from the time the bite occurs. Louisville law prohibits pet owners from restraining a dog or puppy by a fixed-point chain or tether between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and for a period of time exceeding one hour in any eight-hour period.
Lexington, KY
In the City of Lexington, Fayette County, KY, up to 8 dogs are allowed per household. A kennel license must be obtained in order to own more than eight dogs in Lexington. The number of cats you can have in your Lexington house is not limited, so long as the felines are properly cared for and do not constitute a nuisance.
All dogs (except assistance dogs) and cats six months of age in Lexington must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed, as required by Fayette County law. The license fee per altered dog or cat is $8, and $40 per unaltered dog or cat. Dogs are required to wear their license and rabies tags at all times while cats are required to wear only their license tag at all times.
As required by Fayette County law, all dogs residing in the City of Lexington must be on a leash and under their owner's control at all times when outside, except in off-leash designated areas. Fayette County has six parks where dogs are allowed to run off-leash. These off-leash dog parks include Coldstream Park, Jacobson Park, Masterson Station Park, Phoenix Park, Pleasant Ridge Park, and Wellington Park.
Furthermore, there is a "Pooper Scooper" ordinance in Lexington requiring pet owners to immediately remove and sanitarily disposed of any solid waste deposited by their pets on any public or unowned-private land.
Owensboro, KY
In the City of Owensboro, KY, you can own as many dogs and cats as can properly care for, so long as the animals do not constitute a nuisance. Section 4-16 of the Owensboro Municipal Code requires that pet owners promptly remove and properly dispose of any feces deposited by their pets in any public park or recreation area, or on any streets, sidewalks, or other public rights-of-way within the city.
While the City of Owensboro does not place a limit on the number of pets a resident can own, the Housing Authority of Owensboro has its own pet policy limiting the number of pets per household to 1 neutered/spayed dog and 1 neutered/spayed cat. Also, the weight of all fully grown dogs and cats living on any Housing Authority of Owensboro property cannot exceed 20 pounds.
Other Kentucky Cities
- Henderson, KY: Allows no more than 3 dogs per residence. No limit on cats
- Shepherdsville, KY: Allows a maximum of 5 pets per household
- Bardstown, KY Allows up to 4 dogs and 4 cats per residence
- Paris, KY: No limit on dogs and cats. Pit Bulls are restricted
- London, KY: Allows a maximum of 2 dogs and 2 cats per household
- Villa Hills: KY: Residents may own no more than 5 dogs or cats
- Lebanon, KY: Limits each household to 3 dogs. No limit on cats
- Bellevue, KY: Permits no more than 2 dogs per household. No limit on cats
