Indianapolis Code Chapter 531 caps companion animals per household and requires kennel licensing when an owner exceeds the standard limit, with stricter caps in dense residential zones.
Indianapolis-Marion County Code Chapter 531 limits the number of dogs and cats kept on a residential parcel without a kennel license, generally five total companion animals per dwelling unit, with no more than three of any one species in the densest dwelling districts. Owners exceeding the limit must apply for a hobby kennel or commercial kennel permit through Animal Care Services and the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, which triggers inspection of enclosures and waste handling. The limit excludes nursing litters under eight weeks. Multifamily and rental tenants must also follow landlord rules; HOA covenants frequently impose tighter caps such as two pets per unit.
Notice of violation, daily ordinance fines, mandatory rehoming or kennel permit, and abatement orders if conditions threaten neighbor health under Chapter 103 enforcement.
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis Animal Care Services treats hoarding as cruelty and neglect under Chapter 531 and Indiana Code 35-46-3, allowing seizure of animals when sanitat...
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis Code Chapter 531 requires dogs and cats over six months old to be spayed or neutered unless the owner buys an annual unaltered animal permit, wi...
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis Animal Care Services microchips every dog and cat that passes through its custody and recommends microchipping for licensed pets, with state law...
See how Indianapolis's pet limits rules stack up against other locations.
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