Pet Limits: Austin vs Denver
How do pet limits rules compare between Austin, TX and Denver, CO?
Austin and Denver have similar restriction levels.
Austin, TX
Travis County
Austin City Code Section 3-2-7 limits households to three dogs and three cats over four months old without an animal-establishment permit. Larger numbers require a kennel, foster, or rescue authorization with inspection, zoning compliance, and welfare standards.
View full Austin rules →Denver, CO
Denver County
DRMC chapter 8 limits Denver households to three dogs and three cats per dwelling unit unless a pet animal facility license is obtained. Litters under four months count toward the limit at separate threshold; exemptions exist for licensed kennels.
View full Denver rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | Austin Code 3-2-7 | - |
| Dog limit | Three over four months | Three per dwelling |
| Cat limit | Three over four months | Three per dwelling |
| Foster carve-out | Through partner rescues | - |
| Severity | Moderate — civil fines | - |
| Litter rule | - | Under four months exempt |
| Permit available | - | Pet facility license |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Can I keep four dogs in Austin?
Only with an animal-establishment permit treating the property as a kennel or rescue, which requires inspection and welfare compliance. Otherwise the cap is three dogs over four months per household under Section 3-2-7.
Do litters count toward the limit?
No. Puppies and kittens under four months old born in the home do not count toward the three-and-three household cap. Once they pass four months, they count and must be rehomed or covered by a permit.
Denver FAQ
Can I keep four dogs in my Denver house?
Only with a pet animal facility license from Denver Animal Protection, which requires zoning compliance and inspection. Without that license, the third dog past the limit may be cited and removed by DAP.
Do rabbits or chickens count toward the Denver pet limit?
No. The three-and-three cap is only for dogs and cats. Chickens are limited under DRMC chapter 8 livestock rules (eight without permit). Rabbits and small caged pets are not separately capped by number.
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