Fort Smith, AR Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

(a)Any person owning, keeping or harboring within the corporate limits of the city more than four dogs five months of age or over (regardless of the spaying or neutering of the dogs) shall be prima facie evidence that such owner is operating a dog kennel. The burden of proof shall be on the owner to establish the age of dogs maintained to be less than five months of age. Dog kennels may be operated only within the zones permitted by the zoning code of the city, chapter 27 and the owner/operator of any such dog kennel shall pay an annual kennel license fee of $150.00 and comply with the city's business license requirements.(b)A person owning, keeping or harboring more than four dogs regardless of age, spayed or neutered, shall not be considered operating a kennel if it can be proven that the additional dogs are being temporarily maintained while a permanent home for the dog is being sought (commonly referred to as fostering). Prima facie evidence of fostering can be proven by documented inclusion of the animal at an established physical animal shelter or adoption facility. (Ord. No. 35-23, § 2, 3-21-2023)