Cranston, RI Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Dog cap
- 2 per address (unlicensed trigger)
- Cat cap
- 4 per address, hard limit
- Exception
- Dog officer certification or kennel license
- Enforced by
- City clerk and dog officer
- First-offense fine
- $100 under Ch. 6.08
Summary
Cranston caps unlicensed dogs at two per address and hard-caps cats at four, unless the dog officer certifies the property for more animals or you hold a kennel license.
F. The city clerk shall not issue to any person, or to more than one person residing at the same address, licenses for more than two dogs unless the dog officer shall certify in writing to the city clerk that the premises at which such dogs are proposed to be kept are suitable for the keeping of more than two dogs and that the keeping of more than two dogs therein will not tend to create a nuisance.
G. It shall be unlawful for any person to own or keep within the city more than two dogs, one or more of which are unlicensed, and who does not have a kennel license for the keeping of such dogs.
H. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons at the same address to own or keep within the city more than four cats, unless the premises are lawfully used for a kennel or pet shop.
I. The animal control officer shall charge a fee, as specified in the following schedule, to be paid by the owner of any dog or cat taken to the animal shelter for the purpose of transferring title or for the disposal of said animal according to law.
Fee Schedule For each adult (six mos. or older) dog $20.00 For each puppy $5.00 For each adult (six mos. or older) cat $10.00 For each kitten $5.00
(Prior code § 4-20; Ord. 04-29 § 3; Ord. 2016-24, § 1, 7/25/2016)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4824304; v14 updated 2026-05-18).
Full Breakdown
Cranston's city clerk won't license more than two dogs to one address unless the dog officer certifies in writing that the premises can handle more dogs without creating a nuisance. Separately, keeping more than two dogs when any of them is unlicensed is unlawful unless you hold a kennel license. Cats are capped outright at four per address, no exceptions, unless the property is a licensed kennel or pet shop. Violations fall under Chapter 6.08's general penalty schedule: fines from $100 to $400 with escalating offenses, plus seizure of the animal on repeat violations.
Violations & Fines
More than two dogs (any unlicensed) without a kennel license, or more than four cats without a kennel/pet-shop license: $100 first offense, $200 second, $400 third and subsequent, plus seizure on repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep more than two dogs in Cranston?
Is there a hard limit on cats?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cranston
Compare Cranston to another location·View the Rhode Island animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle pet limits.