Lenexa, KS Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Section 3-2-B-8 of the Lenexa Code caps households at two dogs and/or two cats at the same address or on the same premises. Going beyond that without first obtaining a special pet permit is unlawful. Service dogs still count toward the total under Section 3-2-B-4, and a police dog that lives in the City off duty counts too. Dogs and cats over six months old must be licensed (Section 3-2-B-1) and vaccinated for rabies (Section 3-2-B-3).

The permit application goes to the City on its form with a nonrefundable fee. It lists each animal by name, breed, age, sex, spay or neuter status and license number, and says whether the applicant owns, leases or rents the property. Animal Control tries to notify all neighbors, including every abutting property, and the property owner if that is someone else. Their comments are public records under the Kansas Open Records Act. Animal Control can order excess animals removed while the application is processed, and a pending application is not a defense to a violation.

Filing the application is consent to an inspection of the premises with the applicant present. Animal Control then writes a report that approves, conditionally approves or denies the permit, weighing health, safety and welfare, likely nuisance, comments from owners and neighbors, and prior complaints or convictions. Approved animals must be licensed within seven days of the mailed notice. The permit covers only the listed animals and one address, and adding another dog or cat needs a new permit.

A denial requires removal of the extra animals within seven days, even if the applicant appeals, and a six-month wait applies before reapplying. Appeals go to the Lenexa Municipal Court within 10 days with a filing fee, and a hearing is set within 14 days. Permits expire December 31 and renew administratively only for the same animals. Kennel businesses need a special use permit and business license under Section 3-2-B-9.