Does Mississippi have a statewide law limiting the number of pets residents can own? No, it technically doesn't. However, at the local level, there are ordinances regarding dog breeds, "dangerous or vicious dogs," and the number of pets residents can keep in their houses. In other words, the number of dogs or cats you can keep in your Mississippi house is regulated by your local authorities. Most municipalities in Mississippi limit each household to six domestic animals.
In some Mississippi cities or towns, the maximum number of pets you can own depends on the size of your property. For example, in Natchez, Mississippi, up to 4 dogs and 6 cats are permitted on properties of more than an acre. Check with your local authorities to find out about the pet ownership limit in your town or city if you are considering welcoming additional furry friends into your home. Meanwhile, I have listed some Mississippi municipalities and the number of dogs and cats permitted per household therein.
Jackson, MS
The Mississippi city of Jackson considers the keeping of 4 or more adult dogs or cats, or any combination thereof a kennel. This means you need to obtain a kennel license to own 4 or more dogs or cats, or any combination thereof if you live in the city of Jackson. There is a leash law in Jackson that requires all dogs to be secured by a leash or lead of less than six feet in public. In addition, Jackson pet owners are required to keep their animals in such a manner that they do not become a public nuisance.
Furthermore, Jackson pet owners are responsible for the immediate removal of any solid waste deposited by their dog or cat on any public walk, recreation area, or private property within the city. Please refer to Jackson's Code of Ordinances for more information.
Gulfport, MS
In Gulfport, Mississippi, residents are required to obtain a conditional permit from the chief of police to own a maximum of 6 domesticated animals (dogs and/or cats). For example, with a conditional permit, you may own 4 dogs and 2 cats or any combination of both animals not exceeding 6 if you live in the city of Gulfport.
Dogs and cats are prohibited from running at large in the city of Gulfport. Gulfport pet owners must have their dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies, in accordance with the city's Code of Ordinances.
Southaven, MS
The City of Southaven allows a maximum of 5 domestic animals per household in residentially zoned areas. If you live in a residential zone in Southaven, MS, you may keep 3 dogs and 2 cats or 3 cats and 2 dogs in your house. In areas zoned agricultural, no more than 10 dogs and/or cats are permitted per property. Southaven pet owners are required by law to prevent their dogs and cats from becoming a public nuisance and keep them in a clean, sanitary condition.
Additionally, Southaven pet owners are required by law to promptly remove any feces deposited by their dog or cat on any public walk, streets, recreation areas or private property of another.
Biloxi, MS
The Mississippi city of Biloxi allows no more than six domesticated animals per residence. If you reside in Biloxi, MS, you may own 3 dogs and 3 cats or any combination of both animals not exceeding 6 in your house. Biloxi pet owners are required by law to keep their animals in such a manner as to not constitute a public nuisance by reason of loud, frequent or habitual barking, howling, yelping or other noise or action.
Hattiesburg, MS
In Hattiesburg, Mississippi, each household is limited to six pets. All dogs and cats over four months of age within the city of Hattiesburg are required to be vaccinated against rabies. Hattiesburg pet owners are responsible for the removal and disposal of any solid waste deposited by their dog or cat on public or private property within the city.
Olive Branch, MS
The city of Olive Branch permits residents to own a maximum of 4 dogs and 6 cats. Olive Branch residents may not keep more than 10 pets on a property of one acre or less. All dogs and cats in Olive Branch are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies. Olive Branch pet owners are required to prevent their dogs and cats from becoming a public nuisance.
Tupelo, MS
The city of Tupelo allows residents to own as many dogs and cats as they can care for. The City Code requires that dogs and cats, regardless of number or size, are kept in such a manner as to not create a public or private nuisance.
Meridian, MS
The city of Meridian limits each household to 6 pets, a combination of dogs and cats. Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies and wear a securely braided metal tag with the serial number of the vaccination. A dog is deemed vicious in Meridian if it bites, inflicts injury, assaults or otherwise attacks a human being or domestic animal in public without provocation. A dog deemed vicious in Meridian must not go beyond the premises of its owner unless it is securely leashed and muzzled, according to Sec. 6-17 of Meridian's municipal code.
Other Mississippi Cities
- Clinton, MS: 4 pets per household
- Horn Lake, MS: Up to 12 pets allowed
- Brandon, MS: 4 pets per household
- Ridgeland, MS: No more than 3 dogs. No limit on cats
- Pascagoula, MS: Five dogs or Five cats
- Ocean Springs, MS: Five dogs or Five cats
- Long Beach, MS: No more than three dogs and three cats
- Clarksdale, MS: 4 dogs or cats
- Greenwood, MS: Up to 6 altered pets
- Grenada, MS: 3 dogs and 3 cats
