Philadelphia, PA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Phila. Code Sec. 10-103(8)
- Maximum dogs/cats combined
- 12 adult animals
- Unsterilized cap
- 2 dogs + 2 cats
- Enacting ordinance
- Bill No. 120049 (2012)
- Exemptions
- Registered kennels; agency waiver
Summary
Philadelphia caps a residence at no more than twelve adult dogs or cats combined, of which no more than two dogs and two cats may be unsterilized, unless it is a registered kennel or has a waiver.
Maximum Number of Dogs and Cats Allowed. Except in connection with the operation of a registered kennel, or unless the Animal Control Agency has granted a waiver pursuant to such regulations as it may establish, no more than twelve (12) adult dogs or cats combined, of which no more than two (2) dogs and two (2) cats may be unsterilized, may be kept-- (a) on a parcel of land on which only one residential dwelling unit is located; or (b) in any residential dwelling unit on a parcel of land on which multiple residential dwelling units are located.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Philadelphia Code Section 10-103(8) (Maximum Number of Dogs and Cats Allowed), enacted by Bill No. 120049 in 2012, limits each residential property to no more than twelve (12) adult dogs or cats combined. Of that total, no more than two (2) dogs and two (2) cats may be unsterilized. The limit applies both to a parcel with a single residential dwelling unit and to each residential dwelling unit on a parcel with multiple units. The cap does not apply to a registered kennel, and the Animal Control Agency may grant a waiver under its own regulations. Dogs over the licensing age must also be individually licensed and rabies-vaccinated under the rest of Section 10-103.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more than the permitted number of animals without kennel registration or a waiver is a violation of Chapter 10-100, enforced by ACCT Philly with code penalties and possible impoundment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs and cats can I have in Philadelphia?
Can I keep more than twelve animals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Philadelphia
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