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Jefferson Parish, LA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Numeric pet cap
None in Chapter 7
License + rabies
Required over 4 months (§ 7-66)
Kennel defined by
Fee business, not count
Practical limit
Humane-care and nuisance rules
Cities may differ
Kenner, Gretna, etc.

Summary

Jefferson Parish's animal code sets no fixed limit on the number of dogs or cats a household may own. Instead, all dogs, cats, and ferrets over four months old must be licensed and rabies-vaccinated, and keeping too many animals to care for properly can be enforced as cruelty, neglect, or

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Jefferson Parish. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It shall be the duty of the owner or keeper of every dog, cat or ferret over four (4) months old to register same with the Jefferson Protection and Animal Welfare Services by purchasing a dog, cat or ferret license.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Chapter 7 contains no numeric cap on owned dogs or cats. A 'public kennel' is defined by being a fee-charging boarding business open to the public, not by pet count, so keeping several pets does not by itself make a household a kennel. Section 7-66 requires every dog, cat, or ferret over four months old to be registered and rabies-vaccinated. The practical limit comes from the humane-care standards (Sections 7-126 and 7-127) and the public-nuisance provisions: if an owner cannot provide adequate food, water, shelter, and sanitation, or the animals create a nuisance, JPAWS can act. Zoning (Chapter 40) may also limit animal-keeping in some districts. Incorporated cities may set their own numeric limits.

Violations & Fines

There is no per-animal count violation, but failing to license or vaccinate, or keeping more animals than can be humanely cared for, draws licensing penalties, cruelty/neglect charges, or nuisance enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a maximum number of dogs I can own?
No. Jefferson Parish's animal code sets no fixed number. The limit is practical: you must license and vaccinate each animal and provide humane care, or face cruelty, neglect, or nuisance enforcement.
Do my pets need to be licensed?
Yes. Section 7-66 requires every dog, cat, or ferret over four months old to be registered with JPAWS and vaccinated against rabies at the owner's expense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Jefferson Parish

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionHeavy RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingFew Restrictions

All Jefferson Parish rules

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