Bellevue, NE Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Section 6-23(A) of the Bellevue Code of Ordinances limits a residential or dwelling unit to three dogs and/or cats over the age of six months. The cap does not apply to licensed kennels or to a household holding a pet animal avocation permit under § 6-47.

That permit, not the base three-pet limit, governs larger households: § 6-47(A) requires anyone keeping four or more dogs or cats, up to five of either species and no more than six dogs and cats combined age six months or older, to obtain a pet animal avocation permit from the licensing authority, and § 6-23(B) makes clear the § 6-47 permit numbers replace, rather than stack on top of, the three-animal limit. Getting the permit costs a $100.00 initial inspection fee (waived for animal rescues) plus a $50.00 annual renewal fee under § 6-47(B), and the authority inspects the property for compliance with chapter 6 before issuing it. Every animal kept under the permit must still be individually licensed and rabies-vaccinated per §§ 6-31 and 6-47(C)-(D), with proof produced at inspection, and the lot or lots involved must not be zoned for business.