What is the pet limit in Missouri? In the state of Missouri, there is no statewide law that limits the number of pets each household can have. However, each municipality in Missouri has animal ordinances and zoning laws that dictate the number of pets a resident can own.
Most cities in the Show-Me State allow a maximum of four domestic animals, including dogs and cats, per residence. Check your municipal code or contact your local authorities about the maximum number of dogs and cats permitted per household in your city or town. Meanwhile, below are some Missouri municipalities and the number of pets allowed per household therein.
Kansas City, MO
In Kansas City, Missouri, each household is limited to 4 dogs or cats or any combination of both animals not exceeding 4 in number. If you live in an area zoned agricultural (RA), the number of dogs and cats you can own is 25. Generally, Kansas City residents may obtain a domestic animal avocation permit or rescue cattery permit to own a maximum of ten pets. Dogs, cats and ferrets in Kansas City are required by law to be licensed and wear the license tag on a collar when outside the residence of the owner or keeper.
St. Louis, MO
The City of St. Louis permits no more than 4 domestic animals per parcel of property within residential-zoned districts. If you reside in St. Louis, MO, you may either own 2 cats and 2 dogs or any combination of both animals not exceeding four. Anybody wishing to own more than 4 pets in St. Louis can obtain a non-commercial kennel permit to do so.
St. Louis has a leash law that requires dog owners to keep their best friends or a leash, which must be securely held by a competent person whenever they are walking the pets. Additionally, St. Louis has a feces removal ordinance requiring pet owners to remove and dispose of any feces left by their dog or cat on any public or private property.
Lake St. Louis, MO
The City of Lake St. Louis allows residents to keep up to 4 household pets per parcel of property located within a residentially zoned district. A person who wishes to own more than 4 household pets in Lake St. Louis must obtain a kennel permit from the Division Director of Humane Services of St. Charles County. Cats and dogs in Lake St. Louis must be registered/vaccinated and wear a collar or harness bearing a current tag when they are outside the residence of their owner.
In Lake St. Louis, MO, it is illegal to own a dog that frequently and habitually bark, yelp or howl, thereby causing fear or annoyance to a person or persons living in the immediate vicinity.
Springfield, MO
In Springfield, Missouri, residents may own 4 dogs or 4 cats or a combination of both animals not exceeding four. All cats and dogs living within the city limits of Springfield must be vaccinated for rabies and obtain a rabies vaccination certificate from any licensed veterinarian in Missouri. Springfield pet owners must prevent their dogs from running at large in the city.
Your dog shall be declared a nuisance in Springfield if it is found running at large more than one time within a 12-month period. Any dog declared a nuisance in Springfield must be microchipped, registered with the health department, and be spayed or neutered within 30 days of the declaration, according to Sec. 18-61 of the Springfield Code of Ordinances.
Columbia, MO
The Missouri city of Columbia limits each household to 4 dogs or cats. The vaccination and licensing of dogs and cats are required by law in Columbia, MO. Columbia pet owners are required to prevent their dogs from defecating on public or private property or streets within the city.
Independence, MO
In Independence, MO, the maximum number of dogs or cats allowed per household is 4. Independence residents are required to keep their dogs or cats in such a manner that they don't become a public nuisance. A dog or cat is considered a public nuisance in Independence if it unreasonably annoys a human being, is found running at large, or attacks another animal or a person without provocation.
Lee's Summit, MO
The City of Lee's Summit permits residents to keep a maximum of three cats or dogs on their properties. All dogs and cats in Lee's Summit must be vaccinated by a licensed vet and licensed. While outside, all dogs are required by law to be leashed. A dog is considered a public nuisance in Lee's Summit if it barks, howls, or whines in an excessive manner.
O'Fallon, MO
In O'Fallon, MO, the maximum number of dogs or cats permitted per residence is 3. Any O'Fallon resident wishing to own more than 3 pets must obtain written permission from all surrounding adjacent property owners. Dogs and cats are not permitted to be at large within the City limits of O'Fallon, according to O'Fallon Animal Control Code.
Other Missouri Cities
- St. Charles, MO: 2 dogs and 3 cats
- Blue Springs, MO: 4 cats or dogs
- St. Peters, MO: A total of three pets
- Florissant, MO: A maximum of 4 pets
- Chesterfield, MO: 4 dogs and 2 cats
- Wentzville, MO: 3 dogs and 4 cats
- Jefferson City, MO: No more than 6 household pets
- Cape Girardeau, MO: 4 cats and 4 dogs
- University City, MO: 2 adult pets per single and two-family residences
- Liberty, MO: 4 dogs and/or cats
- Raytown, MO: Four dogs or four cats
- Kirkwood, MO: 3 dogs. No limit on cats
- Gladstone, MO: A maximum of 4 pets per residence
- Belton, MO: Four dogs and cats
- Hazelwood, MO: 2 dogs and 1 cat or 2 cats and 1 dog
- Nixa, MO: 4 dogs or cats in the R-1 zoned district and 2 dogs or cats in the R-3, R-4 or R-5 zone districts
