St. George, UT Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Base dog limit
- 2 dogs per dwelling unit
- Exception limit
- Up to 4 dogs on acre+ or open-space-adjacent lots
- Sportsman's permit
- Up to 5 registered purebred dogs
- Cat limit
- Not separately capped in city code
Summary
St. George caps most households at two dogs, with a narrow exception allowing up to four dogs on acre-plus lots or lots adjoining open space or agricultural zones.
No person or person at any one dwelling unit, as defined in the zoning ordinance of the city, shall at any one time own or license more than two (2) dogs in any combination, except as otherwise provided herein. Sole exception shall be where the person occupies a dwelling unit with exclusive location on an acre or more of land, or where the dwelling unit adjoins an open space or agricultural zone on at least one side of the property... In the event of an exception, up to four (4) dogs may be allowed at a dwelling unit but no more.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-062, passed August 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
City code limits any one dwelling unit to two dogs owned or licensed at a time. The cap rises to four dogs only if the dwelling sits on an acre or more of land, or adjoins an open space or agricultural zone on at least one side. Purebred owners can instead seek a sportsman's permit for up to five registered dogs with animal control and community development approval. The code sets no separate numeric limit on cats.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the limit violates City Code chapter 5-2 and can be treated as a nuisance; a dog license issued above the cap does not waive the city's right to enforce compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I own in St. George?
Can I get an exception to keep more dogs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. George
Compare St. George to another location·View the Utah animal ordinances overview
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