In North Carolina, as in many other states, the maximum number of pets you can have depends on where you reside. That's because there is no statewide law in the Tar Heel State limiting the number of dogs or cats you can own. However, your city or town may have its own rules regarding pet ownership. Therefore, before adding multiple pets to your household, check with your city or town. You may do so by contacting your local animal control office or by searching online for your city or town's animal ordinance. Below, I've listed a few North Carolina municipalities that restrict the number of cats and dogs residents can have.
1. Charlotte, NC
In the City of Charlotte, NC, you need a permit if have 3 or more dogs or cats (in any combination) frequently kept outside. Per the city's website, the purpose of this permit is to ensure that noise caused by the animals will not disturb another person on his property. This permit costs $40 (no renewal fee) and is valid as long as you comply with the terms of the permit. However, you don't need this permit if your dogs or cats are kept mostly indoors.
2. Asheboro, NC
The City of Asheboro's municipal code allows no more than 3 dogs and no more than 3 cats on any parcel of land or zoning lot having less than 30,000 square feet. An additional 7,000 square feet of lot area is required for each additional dog or cat. This restriction does not apply to dogs and cats that are less than six months of age. Regardless of square footage, the city code allows a maximum of 5 dogs and 5 cats per household.
3. Valdese, NC
In the Town of Valdese, NC, the keeping of 3 dogs or cats or any combination thereof without a permit is allowed. A permit is required to keep more than 3 but fewer than 7 dogs or cats or any combination thereof, per the Town Code. There is a $25 application fee for the permit, which is issued by the animal control officer.
4. Burlington, NC
In Burlington, NC, the limit on number of dogs per household is 3. The city's municipal code defines a triplex as 3 households and a duplex as 2 households. The city code does not place a limit on the number of cats a household can have. However, it does require that all cats, dogs, and ferrets be vaccinated by a licensed vet.
5. Rocky Mount, NC
The City of Rocky Mount's municipal code allows no more than 2 pets per household without a permit. For example, you can 2 dogs or 2 cats or 1 cat and 1 dog without a permit. To exceed this limit, you need to obtain a permit from the animal control unit. The city code requires that all dogs 4 months of age or older be vaccinated and registered with the county tax department. There is no registration requirement for cats, but they must be inoculated against rabies.
6. Holly Springs, NC
In the Town of Holly Springs, NC, no more than 3 dogs may be kept on any lot or parcel of land having less than 20,000 square feet. An additional one dog is allowed per every additional 7,000 square feet. This limitation does not apply to dogs that are less than five months old. It also does not apply to cats. The Town Code makes it unlawful for dog owners to leave their dog feces on public streets, sidewalks, town parks, or other town property.
7. Hickory, NC
The city of Hickory allows an aggregate total of 5 pets per dwelling unit. You may, for instance, own 3 cats and 2 dogs, 2 cats and 3 dogs, or any combination thereof not exceeding a total of 5. Per the City of Hickory's Animal Keeping Regulations, the keeping of 6 or more pets without a permit constitutes a zoning violation. However, this restriction does not apply to pets that are always kept indoors.
8. Monroe, NC
In the City of Monroe, NC, no more than 2 dogs over 4 months of age and an unrestricted number of cats may be kept on any lot or parcel of land. As a dog owner in Monroe, NC, you're prohibited by ordinance from permitting your canine to run at large or cause a nuisance to another person.
9. Goldsboro, NC
The City of Goldsboro's municipal code makes it unlawful for any pet owner to keep more than 3 dogs within the city. The city code, however, does not place a limit on the number of cats residents can own. But you must not allow your cats to run at large within the city. The same law applies to dog owners as well.
10. New Bern, NC
There is a restriction on the number of dogs and cats you can own in New Bern, North Carolina. Per the City's municipal code, it's unlawful to keep in one household more than a total of 7 dogs and/or cats, in any combination, over the age of 4 months.
