Detroit Code Chapter 6 limits residences to four dogs over four months old without a multiple-animal kennel license; cats are not numerically capped but must not create a nuisance under city code.
The four-dog cap applies per dwelling unit, not per owner, so duplexes count separately. Households exceeding the cap can apply for a multiple-animal facility license under Chapter 6, which triggers BSEED inspection of enclosures, waste handling, and ventilation along with neighbor notice. Foster placements through licensed rescue partners may exceed the cap temporarily under a written foster agreement. Service-animal teams remain protected under federal ADA rules. Cat households are governed by general nuisance, sanitation, and rabies-vaccination rules rather than a numeric ceiling.
Exceeding four dogs without a license is a Chapter 6 misdemeanor; fines start around $100 and may include impoundment of the additional animals.
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