Pet Limits: Chicago vs Houston
How do pet limits rules compare between Chicago, IL and Houston, TX?
Chicago and Houston have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago Municipal Code 7-12-050 limits each dwelling unit to five dogs over four months old. Households exceeding the limit must obtain a kennel license under MCC 4-384 or qualify as a registered foster, rescue, or service-animal trainer.
View full Chicago rules →Houston, TX
Harris County
Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 6 generally limits residences to four dogs and four cats over four months old per household. Exceeding the limit requires a kennel or breeder permit and may trigger zoning concerns.
View full Houston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Dog cap | Five per dwelling unit | - |
| Age threshold | Over four months | - |
| Cat cap | None numerically | - |
| Exceeded path | Kennel license MCC 4-384 | - |
| Exemption | Registered foster or trainer | - |
| Dog limit | - | Four dogs over four months |
| Cat limit | - | Four cats over four months |
| Kennel permit | - | Required above the limit |
| Puppies and kittens | - | Under four months not counted |
| Deed restrictions | - | Often stricter than city |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Does the limit count puppies?
Only dogs older than four months count toward the five-dog cap under MCC 7-12-050. A litter under that age is excluded, but you must rehome or license once any pup ages past the threshold.
Can I keep ten cats legally?
Yes, the five-pet cap covers dogs only. Cats face no numeric limit, but hoarding situations covered by MCC 7-12-080 and Illinois 510 ILCS 70 can still trigger CACC seizure and prosecution.
Houston FAQ
Can I keep more than four dogs in Houston?
Only with a kennel permit issued through BARC and the Health Department, and only if your deed restrictions permit it. Without both approvals you face daily citations and possible animal seizure.
Do fosters count toward Houston's four-pet limit?
Yes. Houston Chapter 6 counts every dog or cat over four months at the residence, including fosters. Approved rescue partners can apply for special permits to exceed the cap.
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