Kent County, MI Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Household pet cap
- None countywide
- Kennel threshold
- 3 or more dogs (for pay)
- Kennel cite
- Ordinance Section 6(j), 10
- State kennel law
- MCL 287.270
- Pet-number limits
- Set by city/township
Summary
Kent County sets no general household pet cap, but any establishment keeping three or more dogs for sale, boarding, breeding, or training for pay is a 'kennel' requiring a county kennel license. Ordinary pet-number limits come from your city or township.
"Kennel" means an establishment wherein or whereon 3 or more dogs are confined and kept for sale, boarding, breeding or training purposes, for remuneration.
Full Breakdown
The Kent County Animal Control Ordinance does not impose a blanket limit on how many pets a household may own. Instead, Section 6(j) defines a 'kennel' as an establishment where three or more dogs are confined and kept for sale, boarding, breeding, or training purposes for remuneration. Kennels must obtain a county kennel license in lieu of individual dog licenses under Section 10, meeting MCL 287.270 requirements. If your concern is simply the number of household pets you can keep, that limit -- where one exists -- is set by your city or township zoning ordinance, not the county.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed kennel violates the ordinance and the Dog Law of 1919; municipal civil infraction fines of $100/$200 apply, and the license may be suspended or revoked for noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I own in Kent County?
Do three pet dogs make me a kennel?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kent County
Compare Kent County to another location·View the Michigan animal ordinances overview
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