For example, your HOA may limit you to one pet whereas your city or town allows you to own 3 pets. Unfortunately, that's the way it is in many other states. If you're not a HOA resident, check with your city or town to determine the allowable number of pets per household in your locality. Meanwhile, I've compiled a list of nine Rhode Island municipalities that have pet limit laws.
1. Providence, RI
In Providence, RI, the law says you may not keep more than 3 dogs in any part of any dwelling house without a permit. Cat owners are also limited to 3 cats by the city's municipal code. However, these regulations do not apply to cats and dogs less than 6 months old. A $25 additional dog permit is required to own more than 3 dogs in the city of Providence. All dogs 4 months of age or older are required by the city code to be vaccinated against rabies and be licensed at 6 months of age. Pit bull owners in Providence, RI, are required to register their dogs and pay a registration fee of $20.
2. Warwick, RI
A maximum of three dogs and three cats is allowed per residence in Warwick, Rhode Island. If you wish to exceed these limits, you need to obtain a permit from the Board of Public Safety. You'll be granted a permit only after a hearing, with notice to owners of property abutting your premises, according to Warwick's municipal code. Keeping a dog that habitual howls, barks, or makes other noise that disturbs or annoys any person or neighborhood is unlawful, and is hereby declared to be a public nuisance in Warwick, Rhode Island. All pit bull owners in the city are required to sterilize their dogs or obtain a license to keep an unsterilized pit bull.
3. Cranston, RI
In Cranston, RI, a kennel license is required to have more than 2 dogs. Cat people in the city are allowed no more than 4 cats, per city ordinances. Before you're granted a license, an animal control officer will inspect your premises and certify in writing to the city clerk that it's suitable for the keeping of more than two dogs. In addition, the officer must certify in writing to the city clerk that the keeping of more than 2 dogs on your premises will not tend to create a nuisance.
4. Pawtucket, RI
The City of Pawtucket's animal ordinances limit each residence to three licensed dogs without a permit. You can obtain a permit from the Director of Public Safety to own more dogs. Pawtucket does not impose a limit on the number of cats you can have. Every dog over six months old is required by law to be vaccinated against rabies and have a pet license. Cat owners in the city aren't required to have their felines vaccinated or licensed. Keeping any pit bull dog within the City of Pawtucket is currently illegal.
5. Cumberland, RI
Dog owners in the Town of Cumberland, RI, are limited to three licensed dogs without a permit. Of course, you can obtain a permit from the Chief of Police to own more dogs. The Town's municipal code does not limit the number of cats you can have. Every dog owner in the Town is required to vaccinate and license their canine annually. If you have proof of a valid rabies certificate, you can obtain a dog license through the Town Clerk's Dog Licensing Portal. The Town Code does not require cats to be licensed.
6. West Warwick, RI
No more than three dogs or three cats are allowed per residence in West Warwick, Rhode Island. Kittens and puppies under the age of six months are not subject to this pet number restriction, according to West Warwick's municipal code. You're required to obtain a permit from the zoning board of review to own more than 3 dogs or 3 cats in the Town. All cats over the age of six months are required to be sterilized. An intact permit is required to keep an unsterilized cat in the Town.
7. North Kingstown, RI
Each dwelling house in North Kingstown, RI, is limited to 5 dogs. The number of cats you can own is not restricted by the Town's municipal code. The Town has a pooper scooper law requiring all dog owners to remove and dispose of any feces left by their canine on any sidewalk, street, or other public area within the Town. Except for certified service animals, no animals are allowed in yards of public or private school property, town beaches, stores, or eating places within the town.
8. Smithfield, RI
The Town of Smithfield allows no more than 3 dogs or 3 cats per household. You need to obtain a $25 annual Kennel License to exceed this limit, per the Town's Animals Ordinance. Every dog owner in the Town of Smithfield is required to license their canine. You can obtain a license for your dog at the Smithfield Town Clerk’s office.
9. Burrillville, RI
In the Town of Burrillville, RI, each single-family dwelling is limited to 3 dogs. Each dwelling unit at a multifamily residence is limited to 2 dogs. A noncommercial kennel license is required to exceed these limits. The Town's municipal code does not restrict the number of cats a household can have.
