How many pets can you own in New Hampshire? The answer to this question is it depends on the municipality in which you reside in New Hampshire. This means that New Hampshire does have a statewide law limiting the number of pets a resident can own but townships and counties have the authority to set their own limits on pet ownership.
Some New Hampshire towns allow up to 4 dogs or cats per household while others do not place a limit on pet ownership. Contact your city or town clerk to find out how many dogs or cats are permitted per household where you live. In this article, I have listed some New Hampshire municipalities and the number of cats and dogs allowed per residence therein.
Manchester, NH
The New Hampshire City of Manchester does not place a limit on the number of dogs and cats residents can own. However, the City has other laws regarding pet care and behavior that owners need to follow. To begin with, every dog, cat and ferret three months of age and older in Manchester, NH, is required by law to be vaccinated against rabies. In addition, Manchester Code requires that all dogs be licensed. Manchester pet owners must keep their pets in such a manner as to not create frequent or long continued noise that disturbs the comfort of people living within the vicinity.
There is a leash law in Manchester, NH, that requires dog owners to at all times have their dog on a leash when the canine is being walked upon a public street, parking lot or facility, sidewalk or right-of-way adjacent to a street. Furthermore, Manchester pet owners are required by law to remove and dispose of any solid waste deposited by their dog in a manner consistent with the law.
Nashua, NH
In Nashua, NH, you can own up to 5 dogs in one residence. There is no limit to the number of cats you can own in Nashua, NH. All dogs and cats in the City of Nashua are required to be vaccinated against rabies. Additionally, Nashua Code requires that all dogs over the age of 3 months be licensed. Whenever a dog is off its owner's property in Nashua, it must be on a leash or other physical restraint by the owner or a responsible person. The City of Nashua currently has no law prohibiting cats from "running at large" nor does it have a law requiring cats to be licensed.
Concord, NH
The City of Concord does not have an ordinance limiting the number of dogs and cats residents can have in their houses. This means that you can own as many cats and dogs as you can care for if you live in the City of Concord. All dogs in Concord, NH, are required to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed. Concord Code requires that pet owners immediately remove any feces left by their dog on any public property including public streets, alleys, sidewalks, parks, or any other public grounds within the City.
Town of Derry, NH
The Town of Derry does not place a limit on the number of dogs or cats residents can own. All dogs in the Town of Derry are required by law to be licensed and registered. However, you need to be at least 18 years old to register a dog in Derry, NH. Furthermore, all dogs, except hunting dogs, are not allowed to run at large in the Town.
Dover, NH
In the City of Dover, you need to obtain a license to keep 5 or more dogs on your premises. Dover Code does not place a limit on the number of cats residents can own. Dover has a leash law requiring dog owners to keep their canines on a leash not exceeding 8 feet in length or have the dog under voice control when in public places within the city. In addition, Dover Code requires dog owners to restrain their dogs from creating a public nuisance by reason of extended or continuous barking or other noises for sustained periods of over half an hour or during the night hours.
Rochester, NH
In Rochester, NH, you can own as many dogs and cats as you can properly care for, so long as the animals do not become a nuisance. An animal is considered to be a nuisance in Rochester if it makes a loud noise for more than 15 minutes or during the night hours so as to disturb the peace of a neighborhood or area. Rochester dog owners are responsible for the immediate removal of any excrement deposited by their dog in any public place or upon the property of another person within the city. This excrement removal law, however, does not apply to a blind person walking his or her guide dog.
Town of Merrimack, NH
The Town of Merrimack allows residents to own as many cats and dogs as they can care for, as long as the animals do not create a nuisance. In Merrimack, NH, it is unlawful to permit your dog to run at large. It is the duty of every pet owner in Merrimack to remove and properly dispose of any feces left by their dog on any sidewalk, street or other public areas within the Town.
Town of Bedford, NH
In the Town of Bedford, there is no limit to how many dogs and cats you can have in your house. However, Bedford Code prohibits owners from allowing their dogs to run at large. The immediate removal of dog feces on public lands is required by law from dog owners in the Town of Bedford.
