In Mississippi, as in many other states, the number of pets you can own is regulated by your local laws. Therefore, the maximum number of dogs or cats you can own in Mississippi depends on where you live. To determine the number of pets allowed per household in your locality, you can contact your local animal control office. Alternatively, you can search for your city's animal ordinance on Google. Meanwhile, I've listed below some Mississippi cities and the number of dogs and cats allowed per household therein. This list is not exhaustive, so you should contact your local authorities if your city isn't included.
1. Gulfport, MS
In Gulfport, Mississippi, you can own 3 dogs and 3 cats, or a combination of both animals not exceeding 6 in total. If you wish to own more than 6 domesticated animals, you need to obtain a permit from the chief of police. The issuance of this permit is subject to certain conditions, which are outlined in the city's municipal code. One of those conditions includes making your premises available for inspection by an animal officer at all reasonable times.
2. Southaven, MS
The city of Southaven, MS, limits each household in areas zoned other than agricultural to 5 dogs or cats. You may have cats and dogs in any combination that does not exceed a total of 5. In areas zoned agricultural, each residence is limited to 10 dogs or cats, or any combination of both animals not exceeding a total of 10. In any zoning district, you can own 3 more legal animals aside from dogs and cats, according to the city code.
3. Hattiesburg, MS
The maximum number of pets allowed per residence in Hattiesburg, MS, is 6. According to Sec. 4-35 of the city's animal ordinance, "the keeping of any pets in any number exceeding 6 in aggregate on any premises in the city is prohibited." The city also has a pooper scooper law requiring dog owners to clean up after their pets on public or private property.
4. Biloxi, MS
In Biloxi, Mississippi, you can own 3 dogs and 3 cats or any combination of dogs and cats not exceeding a total of 6. In essence, the city's municipal code allows 6 domestic animals per household. This restriction, however, does not apply to domestic animals under the age of six months. All pet dogs must at all times be leashed or enclosed in a fence and must not be permitted to run at large.
5. Olive Branch, MS
The city of Olive Branch allows 4 dogs and 6 cats on premises of one acre or less. According to the city's municipal code, you must not "keep more than 10 pets of any type or species or combination of types or species on a premises of 1 acre or less." Both cat and dog owners in Olive Branch, MS, are required by law to remove any fecal matter deposited by their pets on public walks, streets, recreation areas, or private property of another.
6. Meridian, MS
Without a permit, you're allowed to own no more than 6 dogs or cats over the age of 6 months. For example, you can own 6 dogs or 6 cats, 3 dogs and 3 cats, 4 dogs and 2 cats, or 4 cats and 2 dogs. If you wish to own more than 6 pets, you need to obtain a $25 conditional permit for dogs or cats from the supervisor of animal control. As a conditional permit holder, you are required to make your premises available for inspection by an animal control officer at all reasonable times. The yearly renewal fee for the permit is $25, according to the city code.
7. Pearl, MS
In Pearl, MS, it is unlawful to keep more than 4 domestic animals of the same species in any residential area within the city limits. This means that if you live in a residential area within Pearl, MS, you can, for example, own 4 dogs and/or 4 cats without a permit. You must not permit your pets to run at large within the city limits, according to the city code. Also, you must not keep any animals that disturb any person or neighborhood within the city by loud, frequent, or habitual barking, howling, yelping, or other noise.
8. Clinton, MS
In residential areas within the city of Clinton, MS, each household is limited to 4 dogs or 4 cats. Of the 4 dogs, no more than 2 can be large breeds, according to the city code. However, there is an exception for guide dogs, hearing ear dogs, or other animals trained to assist physically disabled people. Also, dogs under the age of six months do not count in this number. In Clinton, MS, Pit bulls and Rottweilers are banned from being kept as pets.
9. Brandon, MS
The city of Brandon's municipal code allows no more than 4 pets per household. You may own 4 cats or 4 dogs or any combination of both not exceeding 4 in total. The city code makes it unlawful to keep a dog that, by loud, frequent, or habitual barking, or howling, disturbs any person or neighborhood within the corporate limits of the city. As required by the city code, dogs must at all times be leashed or enclosed in a fence and must not be permitted to run at large.
10. Ridgeland, MS
The city of Ridgeland has an Animal Control Ordinance that limits each household in residential areas to 3 dogs. However, the number of cats you can own in Ridgeland, MS, isn't regulated. To own more than 3 dogs in the city, a permit is required. Ridgeland has a BSL law that bans Pit bulls and wolf-dog hybrids.
