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Sioux Falls, SD Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Pet cap
4 per lot, no permit
Age threshold
Over 6 months old
Excluded species
Birds and fish don't count
Workaround
Kennel conditional use permit
Max fine
$500, 30 days jail

Summary

Sioux Falls limits households to four pets over six months old per lot, not counting birds or fish, unless the property has a kennel conditional use permit.

It is unlawful for any person to have or to keep more than four domestic pets over the age of six months, except birds and fish, on any lot or premises in the city, unless the person residing on or in the lot or premises has a valid kennel conditional use permit issued by the city. The animal shelters, veterinarian offices and retail pet stores are exempt from the provisions of this section.

Source: Sioux Falls Animal ControlView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-135: Current through local ordinance 54-26, passed 7-14-2026).

Full Breakdown

City code makes it unlawful to keep more than four domestic pets over the age of six months on any lot or premises, with birds and fish excluded from the count. A resident who wants more must get a kennel conditional use permit from the city. Animal shelters, veterinarian offices, and retail pet stores are exempt. Puppies and kittens under six months don't count toward the cap, so a litter won't immediately put an owner over the limit.

Violations & Fines

Keeping more than four qualifying pets without a kennel permit is a general penalty violation: up to a $500 fine, up to 30 days in the county jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do puppies and kittens count toward the four-pet limit in Sioux Falls?
No. Only domestic pets over six months old count, so young litters don't put an owner over the limit until they age past six months.
Can a Sioux Falls resident keep more than four pets legally?
Yes, with a valid kennel conditional use permit issued by the city; without one, more than four pets over six months (excluding birds/fish) is unlawful.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sioux Falls

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockHeavy RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSignificant RestrictionsCoyote ManagementSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSignificant RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesFew RestrictionsOutdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & ShieldingSome Restrictions

All Sioux Falls rules

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