Kansas City Code Chapter 14 caps the number of dogs and cats per residential dwelling, with a combined maximum that triggers a hobby kennel permit through KC Animal Health and Public Safety once exceeded.
Under Kansas City Code Chapter 14, a single-family dwelling may keep up to four dogs and cats combined over four months old without a kennel permit. Households exceeding that threshold must apply for a hobby kennel license through Kansas City Animal Health and Public Safety, which requires inspection, vaccination proof, and neighbor notification. Multifamily units typically have stricter caps set by lease and zoning. Service animals are exempt from the count. The limit applies across all four counties Kansas City spans (Jackson, Clay, Platte, Cass) since the ordinance follows city limits, not county boundaries.
Exceeding the cap without a hobby kennel permit is a municipal violation with fines up to $500 per animal per day plus possible animal seizure.
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See how Kansas City's pet limits rules stack up against other locations.
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