Josephine County, OR Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- More than six adult dogs
- Absolute cap
- 50 dogs, any owner
- Fancier permit range
- 7 to 10 adult dogs
- Inspection
- Annual, unannounced by Animal Control
- Appeal window
- 20 days to Board of Commissioners
- Enforcing agency
- Josephine County Animal Control
Summary
In unincorporated Josephine County, owning more than six adult dogs without a fancier or rescue permit requires a kennel permit from Animal Control. No owner, permitted or not, may keep more than 50 dogs, the hard cap set by county code regardless of permit type.
A. Kennel Permits. Owners of more than six dogs over the age of six months, where a fancier permit or a rescue permit does not apply, must obtain a kennel permit. Kennel permit fees do not include licensing for any dogs, and each dog must be licensed separately. Dogs owned but not recorded under the kennel permit must have a regular dog license. ... Animal Control will determine how many adult dogs can be held in the kennel facilities. No owner shall keep more than 50 dogs.
Full Breakdown
040(A) draws the line at six adult dogs (over six months old): once an owner has more, and no fancier or rescue permit applies, a kennel permit is mandatory. Kennel permit fees do not cover individual dog licensing; every dog must still carry its own regular Josephine County dog license from the Public Health Department unless recorded under the permit. 140 sets the outer boundary for everyone: 'No owner shall keep more than 50 dogs,' with Animal Control determining how many the physical facility can safely hold below that ceiling. 040(D)(5)). 040(D)(4). 180), and the Board may affirm, reverse or modify the decision after a hearing.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a kennel without a valid permit, or exceeding the 50-dog ceiling, is a violation enforced by Josephine County Animal Control. Permits may be denied or revoked under § 6.05.170 for noncompliance, animal-welfare convictions, or false application statements, and revoked kennel operators must dispose of all animals within 10 days (§ 6.05.190) by sale, transfer, or humane destruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I own in unincorporated Josephine County without a permit?
Is there a maximum number of dogs allowed at all?
Does a kennel permit cover licensing my dogs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Josephine County
Compare Josephine County to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.