Wayne County does not cap household pets, but most cities within (Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, Canton) limit dogs and cats to three to five animals per residential property under zoning rules.
Michigan's Dog Law of 1919 (MCL 287.262) permits municipalities to cap dog numbers and require kennel licenses above thresholds. Detroit limits households to three dogs; Dearborn caps at four total dogs and cats; Livonia limits combined dogs and cats to five. Properties exceeding limits must register as kennels under Michigan Department of Agriculture rules (MCL 287.331), requiring zoning compliance, lot-size minimums, and inspections. Wayne County itself enforces only state law; municipal limits apply within incorporated cities. Multi-pet households should consult local zoning before bringing additional animals home, as exceeding limits triggers nuisance enforcement.
Owning more than the city-allowed number of pets without a kennel license triggers civil infractions, $100-$500 fines per animal, and mandatory removal. Repeat offenders face misdemeanor charges.
See how Livonia's pet limits rules stack up against other locations.
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