Wilmington Code Chapter 2 caps the number of dogs and cats per dwelling. Households exceeding the limit must obtain a kennel or multi-pet license from New Castle County Animal Services.
Wilmington Code Ch. 2 (Animals) and New Castle County kennel rules together cap most households at a small number of dogs and cats. Households that wish to keep more must apply for a kennel license through New Castle County Animal Services and meet zoning, noise, and sanitation requirements. The cap aims to prevent nuisance, odor, and animal hoarding situations in dense urban neighborhoods. Service animals are exempt from numeric limits. Foster homes affiliated with licensed rescues may apply for variances.
Code enforcement may issue citations and require excess animals be removed. Animal hoarding may trigger Title 3 cruelty investigations and seizure under Delaware law.
Wilmington, DE
Animal hoarding in Wilmington is investigated jointly by code enforcement and New Castle County Animal Services. Cruelty cases proceed under Delaware Code Ti...
Wilmington, DE
Wilmington requires all dogs to be leashed or otherwise controlled when off the owner's property. Dogs at large are subject to impoundment.
See how Wilmington's pet limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.