In some South Dakota cities, you can't have more than 4 pets without a permit. Check with your local Animal Control to determine the maximum number of pets each household is limited to in your locality. Here are a few South Dakota cities that have laws restricting the number of cats and dogs residences can have.
1. Sioux Falls, SD
In Sioux Falls, SD, you can have a maximum of four domestic pets. For example, you may have 4 cats or 4 dogs. Or, 2 cats and 2 dogs. Or, 3 dogs and 1 cat. Or, 1 dog and 3 cats. This restriction, per the city code, does not apply to cats and dogs under the age of six months, nor to birds and fish. A valid kennel conditional use permit issued by the city is required to own more than 4 pets in Sioux Falls.
All dogs, cats, or other animals kept as domestic pets in the city, 6 months of age or older, are required to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed vet. In addition, the city code requires you to have your pet cat or dog licensed by the city. You are to license your pet within 30 days of its acquisition or within 30 days of the time it becomes six months old.
2. Rapid City, SD
You may have 3 dogs or 3 cats or any combination of both not exceeding a total of 3 in Rapid City, South Dakota. In essence, each household in Rapid City is limited to domestic pets without a permit or kennel license. Per the city's animal ordinance, any lot or premises where 4 or more animals, 6 months of age or older, are kept is deemed a kennel. That means you're required to obtain a kennel license if you have 4 or more pets. No kennel license will be issued until your property has been inspected by an Animal Control Officer.
3. Aberdeen, SD
In Aberdeen, SD, a maximum of 4 cats or 3 dogs is allowed per dwelling unit. A mix of dogs and cats may not exceed four in total, per City Ordinances. This restriction does not apply to dogs and cats under the age of three months, nor to pigeons, chickens, and fish. It's unlawful for you to own a dog or cat over the age of six months in the city without licensing it.
4. Brookings, SD
The City of Brookings allows no more than 6 domestic pets per household. Examples of domestic pets allowed include, but are not limited to, dogs, cats, and rabbits over the age of four months. Birds, fish, and domestic pets under the age of four months are exempt from this restriction. Up to six female chickens are allowed per residence in the city. According to the city's animal ordinances, 3 chickens are the equivalent of one domestic pet. A kennel license issued by the city is required to own more than 6 domestic pets.
5. Yankton, SD
In the City of Yankton, the law says you may not possess more than 3 dogs six months of age or older. You are limited to a total of 6 domesticated animals, including cats. However, of the 6 animals, no more than 3 may be dogs. You may, for example, have 3 cats and 3 dogs or 4 cats and 2 dogs. Cats and dogs under the age of six 6 months as well as fish are exempt from this restriction. Exceeding the number of permissible pets without obtaining a kennel license is a class 2 misdemeanor, per the City Code.
6. Huron SD
In Huron, South Dakota, you may have 3 cats or 3 dogs at your residence without a permit. You need to obtain a kennel license from the City Finance Office if you own 4 or more dogs or cats over six months of age. Every dog and cat over the age of six months kept in Huron is required by ordinances to be licensed and registered annually before the first day of February each year.
7. Box Elder, SD
If you reside in the city of Box Elder, SD, you can't have more than 4 pets in your household. You may keep 4 cats or 4 dogs or any combination of both animals not exceeding 4 in total. All cats and dogs require an animal license, which can be obtained at the Police Department. To obtain a pet license, you're required to bring a copy of your pet’s Rabies Vaccination Record as well as your Driver’s License.
8. Vermillion, SD
No more than 3 companion animals are allowed per residence in Vermillion, South Dakota. You may keep puppies or kittens born of your dog or cat for 12 weeks after the birth of the animals. If you desire to keep more than 3 pets, you need to apply to the Animal Control Officer for a multiple-pet permit, under which you're allowed to have up to 5 pets.
9. Brandon, SD
Unless you have a kennel license, it is unlawful for you to have 3 domestic pets in the city of Brandon, South Dakota. Domestic pets you're allowed to own in the city include but aren't limited to dogs, cats, pot-bellied pigs, turtles, or rabbits. Per the city's animal ordinance, this restriction does not apply to domestic pets under the age of six months. All cats and dogs over six months of age kept in the City of Brandon must be licensed and registered.
10. Harrisburg, SD
In Harrisburg, SD, households are limited to 5 cats or 5 dogs or any combination of dogs and cats not exceeding 5 in total. Dogs and cats under the age of six months are exempt from this restriction, according to the city's website.
