The maximum number of cats or dogs you can keep in your house in the state of Maine depends on the municipality in which you reside, as the Pine Tree State has no statewide limit on how many pets a resident can own. Most cities in Maine allow no more than 3 dogs and an unlimited number of cats per household. Listed in this article are some Maine municipalities and the maximum number of cats and dogs they permit residents to own.
Lewiston, ME
The maximum number of dogs allowed per residence in the City of Lewiston, ME, is 4. Keeping more than 4 dogs in your house in considered a public nuisance in Lewiston, ME. However, there is no limit to the number of cats you can own in Lewiston, so long as your felines are well cared for and do not create a nuisance.
As required by Maine state law, all dogs living within the city limits of Lewiston must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed. Lewiston Code requires that pet owners promptly remove and sanitarily dispose of any feces deposited by their cat or dog on any public or private property, other than the owner's.
Furthermore, it is illegal for any Lewiston resident to allow their dog to excessively bark, howl or make other sounds that cause annoyance to the peace of any person.
Bangor, ME
The City of Bangor allows residents to own no more than 3 dogs per household. However, the City Code does not regulate the number of cats residents can own, meaning Bangor residents may own as many cats as they can properly care for.
It is illegal for any Bangor pet owner to allow his or her dog to continuously bark between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. for a period of 15 minutes or more, during which the canine does not fall silent for more than one minute.
Furthermore, Bangor pet owners are responsible for the immediate removal and disposal of any solid waste deposited by their dogs or cats in any street, sidewalk, esplanade, park or other public place or City-owned property.
South Portland, ME
Like Bangor, the City of South Portland allows a maximum of 3 dogs per residence. The number of cats residents can own in South Portland, ME, is not limited.
All dogs 6 months of age residing in the City of South Portland must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed. The license fee for an altered dog is $6 and $11 for an unaltered dog.
South Portland pet owners are responsible for picking up after their pets. When off their owner's premises, all dogs must be on a leash and under voice and sight control at all times, except in areas designated as off-leash. Some off-leash areas in South Portland, ME, include Hinckley Park and Willard Beach.
Auburn, ME
Each household in the City of Auburn, ME, is limited to 3 dogs and an unlimited number of cats. It is illegal for any Auburn pet owner to allow his or her dog to chase vehicles or molest, or attack a human being or another animal on public property.
Auburn Code requires that all dogs and cats be on a leash of not more than eight feet in length and under the control of a competent person in a public area.
Allowing your dog to bark, howl or make other sounds excessively is considered a public nuisance in the city of Auburn.
Other Maine Cities
- Saco, ME: Permits no more than 3 dogs per household. No limit on cats
- Westbrook, ME: Permits a maximum of 3 dogs. No limit on cats
- Waterville, ME: No more than 3 dogs allowed per household. No limit on cats
- Yarmouth, ME: Allows a maximum of 5 dogs per household. No limit on cats
- Gray, ME: Allows up to 10 dogs. No limit on cats
