Richmond limits households to 4 dogs and 4 cats total (8 animals combined) over 4 months of age without a kennel permit. Larger numbers require a commercial kennel or rescue license.
Richmond City Code Chapter 4 caps residential households at 4 dogs and 4 cats over four months old. Households with more than 4 of either species or combined numbers above 8 must obtain a private kennel permit from the Department of Planning and Development Review, which requires zoning review, neighbor notification, and annual inspection. Foster caregivers working with Richmond Animal Care and Control or Richmond SPCA can exceed these limits under a foster agreement. Commercial kennels and doggy daycares require B-2 or M-1 zoning and a separate business license.
250 dollars per animal over the limit, plus potential requirement to rehome animals. Kennel operation without permit is a Class 3 misdemeanor.
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