How Much Is Too Much? 20 States That Have Strict Rules About Dog Ownership

Want to adopt another dog? Make sure your state or city doesn’t have set limits on the number of pups you can legally have in your home, as exceeding these limits might even result in the loss of your pets. Can you guess which one allows 50 dogs?

Indiana (No Legal Limit, But Cities Often Do)

There’s no statewide rule in Indiana that tells you how many dogs you can own but don’t celebrate yet. Cities like Indianapolis cap it at four, while others limit it to three. Different towns and cities may have additional rules, so always check with your local jurisdiction before adopting number five.

Georgia (1)

Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law means you’re limited to one classified dog per adult and property. That applies specifically to dangerous or potentially vicious breeds. So, yes, you can own more than one dog—but not if they fall under that category. It’s all about keeping communities safe and attacks down.

Utah (2)

Utah maintains a strict two-dog limit per household. Not every place enforces it the same way, but in many cities, exceeding that means obtaining a kennel license. Lawmakers say it helps maintain peace, where there is less barking and fewer complaints, leading to a more manageable situation for everyone involved.

West Virginia (2)

In West Virginia, having more than two dogs is not allowed. The law isn’t about ruining your pet dreams; it’s meant to stop noise issues and overcrowding in residential areas. It’s also a nod to rural life, where animals and neighbors tend to share more space.

Montana (2)

Even with all that big sky and wide-open land, Montana says two dogs per household is enough. It’s mostly about preventing free-roaming dogs from bothering livestock or wildlife. And if you’ve ever seen a neighbor’s five dogs sprinting down a dirt road, you’ll understand where the law comes from.

Rhode Island (3)

Small state, small dog count. Rhode Island caps dog ownership at three. This helps prevent houses from becoming accidental shelters, especially in cities like Providence, where homes are tightly packed. If your pack grows past three, expect a knock on the door or at least a letter from animal control.

Nevada (3)

Nevada adheres to a three-dog rule statewide, but some cities can impose stricter regulations. Las Vegas, for instance, often draws a stricter line due to close quarters and noise concerns. The cap helps folks avoid neighbor disputes and keeps shelters from being overwhelmed. Call it a safety net for dog lovers.

North Carolina (3)

Want over two dogs in North Carolina? You’ll need a special use permit, more so for outdoor dogs. Plus, local animal control checks for sanitation and safety. The city of Raleigh is pretty firm about noise, too, and all dogs must be licensed and vaccinated—no free passes, even for well-behaved pups.

Delaware (3)

Delaware draws the line at three dogs. It’s not a huge number, but the state focuses more on preventing hoarding and ensuring that every dog receives sufficient care. If you live in places like Wilmington or Rehoboth Beach, where yards are small, three is already pushing the limit.

North Dakota (3)

Even in towns with ample space, too many dogs can create drama, like barking battles, waste issues, etc. And so, North Dakota limits ownership to three dogs.  The state isn’t anti-dog; it’s pro-peace and cleanliness. Most cities take the rule seriously, particularly when complaints begin to mount.

Wisconsin (3)

Wisconsin joins the three-dog club, too. Cross that line and you’ll need a kennel license, which comes with fees and sometimes inspections. Places like Milwaukee and Green Bay closely follow this regulation, primarily to avoid loud barking and waste issues that tend to accumulate quickly.

Texas (4)

Big yard? Doesn’t matter. Texas says four dogs are the limit, and some counties go even lower. Travis County and cities like Houston take the rules seriously, especially regarding noise or sanitation complaints. Want more? You better get a permit for that. Everything’s big in Texas—except your legal dog count.

California (4)

Each city can make adjustments to its laws, but some places, like San Francisco, are even stricter. California even limits ownership to four dogs. This helps keep neighborhoods from going to these animals—literally. With such densely populated cities, fewer pets means cleaner sidewalks and happier neighbors.

Oklahoma (4)

Oklahoma keeps things simple by allowing only four dogs per person. That’s plenty for most families as is, but if you want more, you’ll need permits. The state uses this law to reduce accidental breeding and shelter overcrowding. Animal control in places like Tulsa and Norman stays busy enforcing it.

Arkansas (4)

If you live in Little Rock or Fayetteville, your local laws likely align with those of Arkansas. They don’t shout about it, but the state quietly enforces a four-dog limit. Officials say the goal is to prevent backyard breeding and hoarding before it escalates into a full-blown animal welfare issue.

Connecticut (6)

Six is where Connecticut draws the line, which is on the generous side. But the moment you hit dog number seven, you’re in kennel territory, complete with inspections and paperwork. Cities like Hartford and Stamford tend to follow this law closely to maintain cleanliness and prevent conflicts.

Iowa (6)

Iowa’s pretty relaxed with its limitation of six dogs. Cities like Des Moines have been known to crack down on folks who think rules only apply to “real” breeders. Spoiler alert—they don’t. Additionally, all dogs over six months old must have a rabies vaccination and wear a valid ID tag.

Tennessee (10)

Tennessee’s dog limit depends on your land. Got two acres? You can have up to ten dogs. However, smaller lots—such as half an acre—are capped at four. The state tries to strike a fair balance, mainly in growing suburbs where noise complaints are becoming more common.

Louisiana (12)

Twelve dogs? Yes, Louisiana’s ceiling is pretty high. But don’t let the big number fool you—once you hit it, you’re expected to meet specific care standards. This includes vet access, clean housing, and proper food. In New Orleans and Baton Rouge, you’ll need to be on top of things even more.

Washington (50)

Shocker, right? But know that Washington’s 50-dog limit is intended for licensed breeders, rescues, or individuals operating official kennels. You’ll need inspections, paperwork, and zoning compliance. So unless you’re starting a rescue, stick to something manageable.