Billings, MT Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit threshold
- 4+ dogs/cats per dwelling
- Governing section
- Sec. 4-402(a)
- Violation type
- Municipal infraction, civil penalty
- Permit requires
- Inspection by animal control or health dept
Summary
Billings households can keep up to three dogs and/or cats without a permit; a fourth animal triggers a small animal permit, home inspection, and registration with the city.
A small animal permit is required of every dwelling unit of four (4) or more dogs and/or cats as defined in section 4-401. A small animal permit is required in addition to individual registrations as referenced in section 4-431.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Billings Municipal Code Sec. 4-402(a) requires a small animal permit for every dwelling unit housing four or more dogs and/or cats, on top of the individual registration already required for each animal. Permit applicants must give the animal control officer each pet's name, breed, color, sex, age, spay/neuter status, and current rabies vaccination, and the premises become subject to inspection by the animal control officer or health department. The city administrator can revoke the permit for refusing an inspection or for three convicted animal-ordinance violations within a 24-month period.
Violations & Fines
Keeping four or more dogs/cats without a small animal permit is subject to civil penalties under Sec. 18-1304 as a municipal infraction; permits can also be revoked for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs or cats can I have in Billings without a permit?
What does a Billings small animal permit require?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
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