West Virginia, like many other states, has no statewide law limiting how many pets you can own. However, each municipality within the Mountain State is authorized to make its own rules regarding pet ownership. These rules vary from city to city, thus the maximum number of dogs or cats you can own depends on your specific location within West Virginia. In some West Virginia cities, no more than two dogs and/or cats are allowed per household without a permit. You may contact your local Animal Control to determine how many pets are permitted per residence in your locality. Here is a list of eight West Virginia municipalities that have pet limit laws.
1. Charleston, WV
In Charleston, WV, the law says you may not keep on your premises more than 2 dogs ten weeks old or older unless you obtain a permit from the city allowing more than 2 dogs. The Charleston Municipal Code does not limit the number of domestic cats you can have. But it's illegal to own a cat or dog that, by frequent or long-continued noise, disturbs the comfort of any person within the vicinity of such an animal.
A humane officer may grant you a special permit to own more than 2 dogs if your property is larger than 6,500 square feet and the dogs are kept predominately indoors. As a dog owner in Charleston, WV, you're required to apply annually, on or before July 1, to the city collector for a license for your dog.
2. Martinsburg, WV
No more than two adult dogs are allowed per household in the City of Martinsburg, WV. The City Code defines an adult dog as a dog being over six months in age or in possession of permanent canine teeth. The keeping of more than 2 dogs without a permit issued by the City is deemed a misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of $100 to $500 per dog over two adult dogs. In addition, any dog over the allowable limit may be subject to seizure. Unlike dogs, cats are not subject to this limitation.
3. Marlinton, WV
You may keep no more than three dogs and/or cats without a permit in the Town of Marlinton, West Virginia. To exceed this limit, a special permit from the Town Council is required. According to the Town Code, you may be granted a permit if your property is larger than 9,600 square feet. If your property is less than 9,600 square feet, you must keep all your dogs and/or cats indoors.
4. South Charleston, WV
The City of South Charleston's municipal code allows no more than two dogs and two cats per residence. If you wish to exceed this limit, you need to apply for and obtain a permit from the Property Board. You may be granted a permit if the Board determines that the keeping of more than 2 dogs and 2 cats on your premises will not constitute a nuisance, health problem, and/or unsanitary condition.
5. Bluefield, WV
You may own three adult dogs or three adult cats without a permit in Bluefield, WV. A no-fee permit from the city clerk and approved by the city manager is required to exceed these limits. According to the Bluefield Municipal Code, you'll only be granted a permit if the city manager finds that the keeping of more than 3 cats or dogs on your premises will be conducted in a manner meeting the county humane society's standards for cleanliness, sanitation, freedom from offensive odors, and noise.
6. Nitro, WV
You may keep no more than three cats and no more than 3 dogs in any premises or dwelling within the city of Nitro, West Virginia. A humane officer may grant you a special permit to own more than 3 dogs or cats if certain conditions outlined in the City Code are met. One of the conditions includes keeping the dogs or cats predominately indoors.
7. Princeton, WV
The number of dogs you can own without a permit in Princeton, WV, is limited to 4. Keeping 5 or more dogs on your premises in the city is deemed a dog kennel. According to the City's municipal code, a permit from the City Health Officer is required to operate a dog kennel. You may own as many cats as you want or can adequately care for in the city of Princeton, WV.
8. Westover, WV
In Westover, West Virginia, you're allowed to have a maximum of 3 dogs or 3 cats or other small animals in any residential setting. Exceeding this limit is deemed a misdemeanor, which, upon conviction is punished by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100. The City Code prohibits dog owners from allowing their animals to run at large within the City.
Are there any dog breeds banned or restricted in West Virginia?
West Virginia has no statewide breed-specific legislation (BSL) that bans or restricts particular breeds of dogs. However, unlike some states including New York and Florida, West Virginia does not prohibit its municipalities from enacting their own breed-specific laws. As a result, Pit bulls and wolf hybrids are banned or restricted by some West Virginia municipalities.
In Huntington, West Virginia, for example, every owner of a pit bull dog or wolf hybrid is required to register each such dog with the office of the Animal Control Authority. Pit bulls and wolf hybrids are declared "dangerous animals" and restricted in Bluefield, WV. The Village of Barboursville's municipal code restricts pit bulls and wolf hybrids.
Most West Virginia municipalities have dangerous or vicious dog laws instead of BSL. Unlike BSL, which targets specific breeds of dogs, a dangerous or vicious dog law may ban or restrict any breed of dog that attacks and/or causes serious harm to humans or other pets without being provoked.
