Pet Limits: Denver vs Nashville
How do pet limits rules compare between Denver, CO and Nashville, TN?
Denver and Nashville have similar restriction levels.
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 →Nashville, TN
Davidson County
Metro Title 5 limits the number of dogs and cats a household may keep without a kennel permit. Standard residential lots typically cap at a small number of each species, with kennel licensing required for higher counts.
View full Nashville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Denver | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Dog limit | Three per dwelling | - |
| Cat limit | Three per dwelling | - |
| Litter rule | Under four months exempt | - |
| Permit available | Pet facility license | - |
| Default limit | - | Set in Metro Title 5 |
| Above limit | - | Kennel license required |
| Foster exception | - | Through approved rescues |
| HOA may add limits | - | Stricter than Metro |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Nashville FAQ
How many dogs can I have at home?
Metro Title 5 caps dogs and cats per household, with the exact number depending on lot size and zoning. Above the cap, you must apply for a kennel license through MACC.
Do fosters count toward my limit?
Animals fostered through MACC or an approved rescue typically do not count toward your household pet limit, provided the foster paperwork is current and animals stay temporarily.
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