Independence, MO Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Limit
- 4 dogs/cats combined per residence
- Age cutoff
- Applies over 3 months old
- Exempt
- Licensed kennels, pet shops, shelters
- Citation
- City Code § 3.03.001
- Penalty
- $50–$500 fine, up to 180 days
Summary
Independence residences may keep no more than four dogs or cats total, in any combination, once the animals are older than three months.
It shall be unlawful for any person in charge of a residence to keep or to allow to be kept more than four dogs or cats or any combination thereof, over the age of three months. Grooming shops, kennels, performing animal exhibitions, pet shops, veterinary hospitals and animal shelters licensed by the City License Officer shall be exempt from this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
Section 3.03.001 makes it unlawful for any person in charge of a residence to keep or allow to be kept more than four dogs or cats, or any combination of the two, once they're over three months old. The cap is per residence, not per owner, and it doesn't reach licensed grooming shops, kennels, performing-animal exhibitions, pet shops, veterinary hospitals, or City-licensed animal shelters, which are expressly exempted. A household that wants to keep more than four adult dogs or cats needs a kennel license through the Community Development and Health Departments instead.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the four-animal cap violates Chapter 3 and is punishable under Section 3.03.013's general penalty: a fine of $50 to $500 and up to 180 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the four-pet cap count young puppies or kittens?
Can a household in Independence legally keep more than four dogs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Independence
Compare Independence to another location·View the Missouri animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jackson County handle pet limits.