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Lake County, IN Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Code
Lake County Code Ch. 90
Household cap
No flat county limit
Kennel/cattery permit
$75 (1-10 animals)
Registration
Each dog/cat must be registered
City rules
May cap pets per home

Summary

Lake County Code sets no flat cap on household dogs or cats, but any person keeping animals must register them, and keeping enough animals to run a kennel or cattery requires an annual permit. Kennel/cattery permits are tiered by count, starting at $75 for one to ten animals. Cities may

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

Kennel/cattery: One to ten animals $75 annually; Eleven to 20 animals $100 annually; Twenty-one to 40 animals $200 annually; Over 40 animals $500 annually.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-14: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through 6-9-2026; and State legislation current through Indiana Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).

Full Breakdown

Under Lake County Code Chapter 90, dogs and cats must be individually registered (Sec. 90.20 fee schedule), and operations rising to a kennel or cattery need an annual kennel/cattery permit with fees tiered by the number of animals: $75 for one to ten animals, $100 for 11-20, $200 for 21-40, and $500 for over 40. The Code does not set a strict per-household maximum for ordinary pet owners in unincorporated areas, but excessive animals can trigger nuisance, sanitation, and care requirements. Incorporated Lake County cities and towns commonly cap the number of dogs and cats per residence, so residents should check their municipal code.

Violations & Fines

Operating a kennel/cattery without the required permit, or failing to register animals, violates Chapter 90; Sec. 90.99 sets fines of $100 to $1,000 (up to $2,500 for repeat offenses).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a maximum number of dogs I can own?
The county sets no flat household cap, but a kennel/cattery permit is required once you keep enough animals to qualify as a kennel or cattery. Your city may impose a numeric limit.
When do I need a kennel or cattery permit?
When your animal-keeping rises to a kennel or cattery. Permit fees start at $75 for one to ten animals and increase with the number of animals kept.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lake County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsMicrochippingLight RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksSome Restrictions

All Lake County rules

Compare Lake County to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview

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