Overland Park, KS Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Base limit
- 4 dogs/cats combined per household
- Extra animals
- Requires annual Special Animal Permit
- Who issues permit
- City Clerk
- Who investigates
- Police Dept. Animal Control Division
- Max general penalty
- $500 fine or 6 months jail
- Annexed-area exception
- Different limits under Ord. A-2367/A-2719
Summary
Overland Park limits any combination of dogs and cats to four per household under Municipal Code 6.04.050. Want a fifth pet or more? You need an annual Special Animal Permit from the City Clerk, and the Police Department's Animal Control Division investigates before it's granted.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 6.04.051, the owning, keeping or harboring of any combination of 4 dogs and/or cats upon any premises or property, or in any dwelling or living quarters of any type within the City is permitted, provided: A. Special Animal Permit. Any person who desires to own, keep, or harbor more than any combination of 4 dogs and/or cats may apply to the City Clerk for an annual "Special Animal Permit" that shall upon issuance permit the applicant to own, keep or harbor the animals specifically allowed in that Special Animal Permit. 1. Criteria. All applicants must adequately show that: (1) special circumstances exist that justify the keeping of the subject animals, (2) the keeping of additional animals will not create a nuisance in the surrounding neighborhood, (3) humane care will be provided, and (4) the premises where the animals are kept is suitable for the keeping of multiple animals and is in conformity with all City zoning requirements.
Full Breakdown
051 sets different limits for certain properties annexed under Ordinance A-2367 or A-2719. Anyone who wants more than 4 must apply to the City Clerk for an annual Special Animal Permit. Applicants must show special circumstances justify the extra animals, that keeping them won't create a neighborhood nuisance, that humane care will be provided, and that the premises is suitable and zoning-compliant. The code lists specific criteria the Clerk weighs: safe and sanitary keeping; adequately lit, ventilated, clean quarters; no endangerment to the animals' health; no harm to the neighborhood's peace and quiet; no offensive odors; no unreasonable annoyance or danger to people or other animals; no running at large, property damage, or vehicle-chasing; no disturbing barking, howling, or whining; and no current or prior violation of animal-care laws by the applicant.
The City Clerk must deny an application if the applicant can't show these facts or if a Police Department Animal Control Division investigation finds the requirements aren't met.
Violations & Fines
Section 6.04.050 doesn't carry its own fine, so keeping more than 4 animals without a permit falls under the Title 6 general penalty at Section 6.16.020, punishable per Section 1.12.010 by a fine of up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day the extra animals remain a separate offense. The City Clerk can also deny or revoke a Special Animal Permit that no longer meets the criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pets can I legally own in Overland Park?
What does the city check before approving a Special Animal Permit?
What happens if I keep more than 4 pets without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Overland Park
Compare Overland Park to another location·View the Kansas animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Johnson County handle pet limits.