Fort Wayne, IN Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

No person shall own or harbor more than five dogs or seven cats or a combination of seven dogs and cats unless approved by the Department of Planning Services.

(B)   A person owning or harboring more than one unaltered dog or cat over the over the age of five months shall be required to obtain a kennel/cattery permit.

(1)   A person who complies with the numbers limits but who owns or harbors more than one intact dog or cat shall apply for a residential kennel/ cattery permit which will be issued only after inspection and approval by the Department. Permits are valid for one year from date of issuance and shall be renewed by the permit holder annually. Residential kennel/cattery permits may be denied or revoked by the Department for cause.

(2)   Residential kennel/cattery permit application eligibility requires:

(a)   A maximum of three unaltered dogs or cats;

(b)   Animal enclosures shall be maintained and located within the interior of the owner or harborer's principal residence on the owner or harborer's property;

(c)   The animal(s) shall have adequate exercise space for the breed and number of dogs and/or cats maintained;

(d)   The owner or harborer does not have a history of previous ordinance violations; and

(e)   The owner or harborer can provide documentation for current vaccinations for all dogs and cats at the inspection or prior to paying for the