Philadelphia Code §10-104 caps the total number of dogs and cats per dwelling at twelve. Households above the cap need a kennel license through Licenses and Inspections plus zoning compliance. Pennsylvania Dog Law adds kennel registration over twenty-six dogs annually.
Philadelphia Code §10-104(2) limits each residential property to a combined twelve dogs and cats over six months old. Households that exceed the cap must qualify as a kennel: this requires a commercial-activity license from L&I, compliance with Phila. Code Title 14 zoning (kennels are conditional uses in most districts), and structural standards for sanitation and noise. State law layers Pennsylvania Dog Law Act 225 on top: anyone keeping or transferring twenty-six or more dogs in a calendar year needs an annual kennel license from the PA Department of Agriculture, with classes by size and noncommercial vs. commercial status. Foster homes may obtain limit waivers through ACCT Philly partner agreements.
Exceeding twelve animals without a kennel license is a Class III §10-104 violation, fines $100 to $300 and a code-enforcement order to reduce within thirty days. Seizure is possible if conditions cross into cruelty under 18 Pa.C.S. §5511.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Code Title 10 Chapter 10-104 caps household animals at twelve and bans neglectful conditions. ACCT Philly and PSPCA humane officers refer hoardi...
Philadelphia, PA
Exotic pet ownership in Philadelphia is primarily governed by Pennsylvania state law. The PA Game Commission requires an exotic wildlife possession permit un...
See how Philadelphia's pet limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.