Council Bluffs, IA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

CBMC 4.20.273 makes it unlawful for any person to own, keep or harbor more than four cats, more than four dogs, or any combination adding up to more than six animals over six months of age per dwelling unit in Council Bluffs. The four-cat and four-dog thresholds are what trigger the separate cattery or kennel licensing scheme: CBMC 4.20.274 requires anyone who keeps more than four cats to obtain a noncommercial cattery license, and anyone keeping more than four dogs to obtain a noncommercial kennel license, even if they are not buying, selling or breeding the animals commercially.

A licensed noncommercial cattery or kennel is capped at six animals per dwelling, and that cap is enforced through attrition: an already-licensed household with more than six animals may keep its current number as depicted on the license, but cannot replace a deceased animal until the count drops below six. Commercial catteries and kennels face no numeric cap if they are located in an appropriately zoned district, but if located in a residential zone they must abide by the same 4.20.273 limits, and any commercial breeding, buying, selling or boarding activity conducted outside the dwelling in a residential zone is not allowed at all.

License applications go through the Animal Control Division and require proof each animal is currently licensed with the city, spay/neuter or intact status, and rabies immunization valid for at least thirty days.