Lane County, OR Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Household cap
- No flat numeric limit
- Noncommercial kennel
- 3+ dogs over 6 months
- Kennel license
- Required (LC 7.005.085)
- No-license kennel
- Class A violation
- Dog license
- Required over 6 months
Summary
Lane County does not set a hard household pet cap, but keeping three or more dogs over six months old on a premises is a "noncommercial dog kennel" and requires the appropriate kennel license. Every dog over six months (or with permanent canine teeth) must be individually licensed.
"Noncommercial Dog Kennel" means an establishment or premises where three or more dogs, over six months of age, are kept or maintained. No more than one breeding pair shall be used for breeding. The term does not include an animal hospital.
Full Breakdown
The Animal Services Code has no flat numeric limit on dogs or cats per home, but it defines a "Noncommercial Dog Kennel" (LC 7.005.005) as "an establishment or premises where three or more dogs, over six months of age, are kept or maintained," with no more than one breeding pair. Under LC 7.005.085 no person shall operate a commercial kennel or breeding establishment without the appropriate kennel license, valid one year, and no kennel license issues in nonconformity with zoning. Separately, every dog that has a set of permanent canine teeth or is over six months old must be individually licensed under LC 7.005.070. Practically, keeping three-plus dogs pushes you into kennel-license territory and zoning review.
Violations & Fines
Operating a kennel without a license is a Class A violation (LC 7.005.085B). Three or more chapter violations within 12 months can revoke a kennel license (LC 7.005.085D). Failure to license a dog is a Class B violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I keep before I need a license?
Must each dog be licensed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lane County
Compare Lane County to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview
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