San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 5 caps household pets at eight dogs and cats combined, with no more than five of either species. Larger counts require an ACS kennel, hobby breeder, or rescue permit and are subject to inspection.
Under SAMC Chapter 5, a residence may keep up to eight dogs and cats combined, with a sub-cap of five of any single species. Counts include all animals four months or older. Owners exceeding the cap must obtain a kennel, hobby breeder, foster, or rescue permit from Animal Care Services, satisfy zoning compatibility, and pass facility inspection covering housing, sanitation, noise, and odor controls. Multifamily housing and HOAs may impose stricter limits by lease or covenant. ACS can downsize a household after nuisance complaints, repeated at-large violations, or hoarding indicators. Service animals and litters under four months are not counted toward the cap.
Exceeding pet limits without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor under SAMC Chapter 5, with fines up to 500 dollars per animal per day. ACS may order surrender of excess animals and deny future permits for repeat offenders.
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See how San Antonio's pet limits rules stack up against other locations.
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