In some Tennessee cities, you can have up to 5 dogs or 5 cats. In others, the number of dogs and cats you can have isn't regulated. Check with your city or county to determine the number of pets considered too many in your locality. Below, I've compiled a list of a few Tennessee cities and how many dogs or cats you can legally own in them.
1. Knoxville, TN
In the city of Knoxville, TN, a maximum of 4 dogs and/or 4 cats is allowed household. Per Knoxville's municipal code, these restrictions don't apply to dogs and cats younger than six months old. If all of your dogs and/or cats have been vaccinated and are properly cared for, the animal control division may exempt them from the above restrictions. Alternatively, you can apply for and receive a pet retail establishment permit to own more than 4 dogs and/or 4 cats in the city.
2. Jackson, TN
In Jackson, Tennessee, you may have 6 dogs or 6 cats or any combination of cats and dogs not exceeding a total of 6 at your residence. The number of dogs and cats younger than 6 months old is not restricted by the city's animal ordinances. A $50 Animal Lodging Permit issued by the City Revenue Office is required to own more than 6 pets in Jackson, TN.
3. Kingsport, TN
In Kingsport, TN, it's unlawful for you to keep over 5 dogs over 12 months of age on any premises, per the city's municipal code. You mustn't permit your dogs to run at large at any place except on your premises or in any city-designated dog park. However, your dog will not be deemed running at large if accompanied by you and in your control by a leash. The number of cats a household can have in the city isn't limited. However, the city code requires all cats and dogs to have the rabies inoculation required by state law.
4. Collierville, TN
The Town of Collierville has a limit of 3 dogs and 3 cats over three months of age per home. To exceed this limit, one is required to obtain a kennel license from the office of the Shelby County Trustee or the office of the Collierville Town Clerk. However, kennel operation is not permitted in any residential zone as per the Collierville Zoning Code.
5. Bristol, TN
A maximum of 4 dogs or 4 cats, or any combination thereof, is allowed per household in the city of Bristol, Tennessee. Dogs or cats under six months of age are exempt from this regulation, as per the city's municipal code. It is, according to the city code, unlawful for you to keep a dog that, by loud or frequent habitual barking or howling, causes serious annoyance to your neighbors. Bristol has a pooper scoop law requiring you to immediately remove any excreta left by your dog on any public property.
6. Sevierville, TN
It's unlawful for any pet owner in the City of Sevierville, TN, to own more than 5 dogs or 5 cats. However, you may keep kittens or puppies born of your cat or dog for a period not exceeding 5 months from birth. Exceeding this limit without obtaining a kennel license is declared to be a public nuisance as per the city code.
