Coeur d'Alene, ID Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Title 6 of the Coeur d'Alene Municipal Code sets its household pet limit through the definition of a kennel. Section 6.05.030 defines a noncommercial kennel as any one household that keeps, harbors or possesses more than four (4) dogs over six (6) months of age. Puppies younger than six months do not count toward that threshold, and the definition says an incidental sale of the animals does not disqualify a household from noncommercial kennel status. A commercial kennel is a separate category: an establishment primarily offering boarding, training and/or breeding services and the associated sale of dogs, with veterinary hospitals excluded. The same definition list also treats an animal shelter as a kind of kennel.

Once a household crosses the threshold, section 6.30.010 makes it unlawful to operate, keep or maintain a kennel or pet shop within the city limits without a valid license from the city and without complying with every provision of chapter 6.30. The applicant files with the city clerk along with the annual license fee. Section 6.30.020 bars issuance unless an animal control officer or other city designee finds, following an inspection, that there is an adequate means of restraining animals from running at large or disturbing the peace, that the proposed facilities are located in an appropriate zone under the Coeur d'Alene zoning code, and that the licensee can meet all requirements of the chapter at the proposed premises. Licenses are printed as valid until January 31 of the year in which the license was issued, cannot be assigned to another person or another location, and must be displayed where the public can see them. Fees are set by resolution of the city council under section 6.05.080.

The kennel definition counts dogs, not cats. Separately, every dog six months and older needs its own license under section 6.10.010, valid for up to three (3) years, and rabies vaccination is required for dogs under section 6.15.150.