Sterling Heights, MI Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Household cap
- 4 animals over 4 months
- Exempt
- Puppies/kittens under 4 months
- Exempt
- Licensed vets, zoned kennels
- Minimum fine
- $500 under § 8-55
Summary
Sterling Heights caps households at four animals older than four months under Code § 8-31, with exceptions for young puppies and kittens, licensed vets, and properly zoned kennels.
Notwithstanding any other ordinance to the contrary, it shall be unlawful for any person or owner to keep or harbor more than four animals older than four months of age at any one address or premises.
(B) The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
(1) Puppies and kittens not exceeding four months of age;
(2) The business premises of a licensed veterinarian; or
(3) Kennels operating in conformance with state law and applicable zoning provisions. (1978 Code, § 6-3; Ord. No. 215-A, § 1, 12-19-89; Ord. No. 368, § 1, 3-18-03)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-46: Local legislation current through Ord. 509, passed 5-19-26).
Full Breakdown
Code § 8-31(A) makes it unlawful for any person or owner to 'keep or harbor more than four animals older than four months of age at any one address or premises' in this Macomb County, Michigan city, regardless of any other ordinance. § 8-31(B) exempts puppies and kittens four months or younger, the business premises of a licensed veterinarian, and kennels operating in conformance with state law and applicable zoning provisions. The limit has stood since the 1978 Code § 6-3 and was reaffirmed by Ordinance No. 368 in 2003.
Violations & Fines
Enforced as a misdemeanor under the chapter's general penalty, § 8-55: minimum $500 fine, up to 90 days imprisonment, or up to 120 hours community service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pets can I legally keep in Sterling Heights?
Does the four-animal limit apply to a licensed kennel?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sterling Heights
Compare Sterling Heights to another location·View the Michigan animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Macomb County handle pet limits.