You probably know someone or have a relative who is obsessed with animals. Virtually, it seems like a hobby. While owning multiple pets is strictly for companionship for some people, it could be a sort of addiction for others. However, as animal lovers, we should beware of the law.
If you plan on owning multiple pets in Idaho, there are specific rules to know. At the state level, there is no law limiting the number of dogs or cats you can own. However, individual municipalities are authorized to enact their own rules regarding pet ownership. This means that the number of domestic animals you own in Idaho is regulated by your city or town. In most Idaho cities a license is required to own more than 3 dogs.
So it all depends on your specific location and the regulations there. An Animal Control officer in your locality ought to be able to tell you the allowable number of pets in your municipality. If you contact them, that is. Your City or Town Clerk may also be of help. Alternatively, you may search online for your city or county's animal ordinances. Meanwhile, let's look at how many dogs and cats are allowed per household in the following Idaho cities.
Boise City
Boise City restricts each house household to 4 dogs, 5 cats, or any combination thereof not exceeding 4 in total. But what if you want more than 4 pets? You must apply for and obtain a noncommercial kennel license from the City Clerk. Under the license, no more than 10 animals (dogs, cats, or a combination of both) are allowed per household. Further, the City Code requires that all Boise dog owners obtain a City dog license. Also, all dogs are required to be restrained by a leash when in public places.
Meridian
The maximum number of dogs allowed per household in the city of Meridian is three. It is worth noting that this restriction does not apply to a litter of puppies under six months of age kept with the mother dog. The City Code does not impose any limit on cats. Keeping more than 3 dogs at a single residence in Meridian, ID is deemed a misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of $300 and 90 days' jail. All dog owners are required to obtain a City of Meridian Dog License and have their dogs wear the license tag at all times.
Nampa
According to the Nampa City Code, only 2 dogs and an unlimited number of cats are allowed per household. You are required to apply for a Kennel License if you wish to own more than two dogs. Before you are issued the license, your property may be inspected by an animal control officer. You'll then be granted a license if the officer determines that the animals' habitation and living conditions are safe and healthy and do not present a nuisance. All dogs six months of age or older are required to be vaccinated and licensed.
Idaho Falls
Each household in the city of Idaho Falls is limited to a maximum of 2 dogs. If you are a cat person living in the city, you are in luck. That is because the City Code does restrict the number of cats you can own. For dog people, an Annual Additional Dog Permit is required to own more than 2 dogs in Idaho Falls. The maximum number of dogs allowed under the permit is 5. Keeping a dog that disturbs the peace of neighbors by loud and prolonged barking or howling is deemed unlawful in Idaho Falls.
Caldwell
Caldwell City Code states that no individual household shall have more than 5 cats and 3 dogs. Other than dogs and cats, you are allowed to own the following number of animals in Caldwell, ID:
- Ten hens
- Two ducks
- Two geese
- Two pygmy goats
- One miniature horse
- Ten pigeons or doves
- One potbellied pig
- Five rabbits
However, you are not allowed to keep more than three different types of the animals listed above. For example, you could own 3 dogs, 5 cats, and 1 potbellied pig.
Pocatello
A maximum of 5 cats and 3 dogs is allowed per household in the city of Pocatello. If you desire to exceed those numbers, you will have to apply for and obtain a multiple animal housing license. For your application to be approved, you must meet certain requirements outlined in the City Code. For example, you are required to provide proof of consent from at least 75% of your neighbors.
Coeur d’Alene
In the city of Coeur d’Alene, a maximum of 5 dogs may be kept in a household, according to Kootenai County Code. However, you may keep a litter of puppies with its mother until the litter reaches the age of 6 months. But before then, you are required to sell, give away, or humanely dispose of in some other manner all the puppies. You may apply for a Kennel License if you wish to have more than 5 dogs in Coeur d’Alene, ID. For cat owners, the number of felines you can own in Coeur d’Alene is not limited.
Are there any dog breeds banned or restricted in Idaho?
At the state level, there is no Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) in Idaho. However, some cities may have their own BSL. A BSL is a type of law that bans or restricts particular breeds of dogs deemed inherently aggressive or dangerous.
As of the time of this writing, Pit bulls remain banned in Ashton, ID. In Cascade, ID, Pit bulls are declared "Dangerous" dogs and as such, they must not be allowed to roam at large.
Top Five Cities in Idaho with Dog-Friendly Adventures
Dogs love Idaho and vice versa, according to Visit Idaho. Most Idaho cities are dog-friendly with hiking trails, pet-friendly restaurants, and properties encouraging you to bring your dog. According to Visit Idaho, the following cities are the top dog-friendliest in the Gem State:
- Boise
- McCall
- Stanley
- Coeur d’Alene
- Sun Valley
