St. Louis, MO Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Base limit
- 4 domestic animals per residential parcel
- Permit ceiling
- Up to 8 with kennel permit
- Permit fee
- $60 inspection fee, renewed annually
- Enforcement
- Health Division; referred to City Counselor
Summary
St. Louis caps residential households at four domestic animals, dogs and cats, before requiring a noncommercial kennel permit from the Health Commissioner for up to eight.
No person shall keep more than four domestic animals on any parcel of property located within a residentially zoned district, nor shall any person permit or allow more than four domestic animals to be kept or domiciled on any such parcel of property; except that any person may keep more than four domestic animals but no more than eight domestic animals on any parcel of property by obtaining a noncommercial kennel permit from the Health Commissioner.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 10.20.011 bars any residentially zoned parcel from keeping more than four domestic animals, dogs and cats over six weeks old, at once. Owners who want five to eight need a noncommercial kennel permit from the Health Commissioner, issued only after a $60 inspection and renewed annually. Permitted animals must stay inside the dwelling or in a fenced yard or on a leash outdoors. Multifamily buildings with more than four units get an exception: total pets citywide in the building just can't exceed the number of units. Violations of § 10.20.011 trigger a mailed notice giving 14 days to fix the count before the Health Division refers the case to the City Counselor for prosecution.
Violations & Fines
Health Division mails a notice requiring correction within 14 days; uncorrected violations go to the City Counselor for prosecution, and permit holders risk summary revocation for refusing a follow-up inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a permit to keep more than four pets in St. Louis?
Does the four-pet limit apply to apartment buildings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
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