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Lincoln, NE Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Multi-dog permit cap
5 dogs over 6 months old
Multi-cat permit cap
5 cats over 6 months old
Multi-cat permit fee
$30 plus per-cat license fee
Multi-dog lot size
Minimum one-acre lot required
Kennel setback
75 ft from neighbor's residence

Summary

Once a Lincoln household qualifies as a multi-dog or multi-cat household, a Director permit is mandatory, and even permit holders are capped at five dogs or five cats over six months old, with mandatory spay/neuter and no breeding.

e. It shall be unlawful for any multi-dog household permit holder to own, keep, or harbor more than five dogs over six months of age on the premises. ... b. Permit shall be voided when the number of cats is reduced to the legal limit of five cats over the age of six months or the owner receives a cattery permit.

Source: Lincoln Animal ControlView official code

Full Breakdown

Once a household's dog or cat count crosses into 'multi-dog' or 'multi-cat' territory, City of Lincoln law requires a permit from the Animal Control Director: proof of license and rabies vaccination for every animal, mandatory spay/neuter, and no breeding. A multi-dog household permit caps out at five dogs over six months old, needs a minimum one-acre lot, and requires housing set back at least 75 feet from a neighboring residence and 10 feet from the property line. A multi-cat household permit caps at five cats over six months and costs $30 plus each cat's license fee, renewed annually by January 1.

Violations & Fines

Keeping an unpermitted multi-pet household is a misdemeanor: up to three months in jail and a $500 fine, with escalating minimums of $100, $200, and $300 for repeat offenses; each day of violation is separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lincoln set an exact number of pets before I need a permit?
The code doesn't spell out a specific trigger count in the text available, but once a household is a 'multi-dog' or 'multi-cat household,' a Director permit becomes mandatory, capped at five animals over six months old.
Can any household keep more than five cats?
Only under a grandfather clause: anyone who owned more than fifteen cats when this ordinance was adopted or at annexation may keep that number under permit until the cats die or are transferred (§ 6.12.136).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lincoln

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All Lincoln rules

Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska animal ordinances overview

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