If you're in the process of adopting furry friends in North Dakota, consider contacting your local animal control office to determine whether there is a pet limit law in your city. In most North Dakota municipalities, the number of dogs and cats residents can have is restricted. Here are some of those municipalities.
1. Fargo, ND
In Fargo, North Dakota, the law says a household must not have more than 6 dogs or cats. Per the city's municipal code, the maximum number of dogs and cats, combined, must not exceed 6 per household. However, this restriction only applies to dogs and cats over six months of age. A permit from the Fargo Police Department is required to keep more than 6 dogs and cats within the limits of the City of Fargo. Dog and cat owners in the city are required to prevent their animals from running at large. When in public places, dogs and cats must effectively be restrained by a chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length. Furthermore, the city code requires that all dogs and cats over four months of age kept in the city be licensed and registered on or before the first day of March of each calendar year.
2. Bismarck, ND
The city of Bismarck's animal ordinances allow no more than 3 dogs or 3 cats per household. However, you may obtain a special pet license to exceed this limit. This restriction does not apply to kittens and puppies under four months of age. Aside from dogs and cats, you're also allowed to own a maximum of 4 pet amphibians, reptiles, or turtles. The keeping of African grey parrots, cockatiels, and canaries is allowed in the city so long as zoning ordinances are followed. In addition to cats and dogs, you may own a maximum of 4 pocket pets such as Guinea pigs, hamsters, or ferrets.
3. Grand Forks, ND
In Grand Forks, ND, households are limited to 3 cats and 3 dogs. Dogs and cats under six months of age are excluded from this restriction. As required by the city code, all dogs and cats over 6 months of age must have a city license. A copy of a vaccination certificate is required to obtain a dog license in the city. Further, all licensed dogs and cats are required to constantly wear a collar, to which the license tag is attached.
4. Minot, ND
No more than 10 pets are allowed per residence in the city of Minot, North Dakota. Of those 10 pets, no more than 4 can be dogs or cats, or a combination of dogs or cats. For example, you can have 4 dogs, 4 cats, and 2 ferrets, bringing the total number of pets in your household to 10. A permit from the city council is required to own more than 4 dogs or cats in Minot, ND, according to the city code.
5. West Fargo, ND
According to the city of West Fargo's website, you can own more than 3 dogs and/or more than 3 cats in the city. The City Code requires all dogs and cats 12 weeks old to obtain a license from the West Fargo Police Department. To license your pet, you must provide proof of rabies vaccination. For the first 3 dogs and/or cats, the charge is $6 per sterilized animal and $10 per unsterilized animal. For households with more than 3 dogs and/or 3 cats, the charge for each additional dog or cat is $100 per license.
6. Williston, ND
Like many other North Dakota municipalities, the city of Williston restricts the number of pets a household can have. Pet the city's municipal code, it is unlawful to keep more than 3 dogs and 3 cats over one year of age on the premises of any dwelling unit within the City limits.
7. Dickinson, ND
According to the city of Dickinson's Animal Control, you may not own more than 3 pets unless you obtain a special use permit. Every dog and cat in the city is required to have proof of current vaccination and a city license. You can obtain a pet license for your dog or cat at the City Hall (99 2nd ST E) during normal business hours. Also, the city requires that every cat and dog be on a leash when off of the owner’s property.
8. Mandan, ND
There is a limit of 3 dogs and 3 cats per residence in the city of Mandan, North Dakota. This limit, however, only applies to dogs and cats six months of age or older. Per the city's municipal code, if you intend to have more than 3 dogs and 3 cats, you must not keep the animals "within 200 yards of any platted portion of the city." All dog and cat owners in the city are required to have their pets vaccinated and licensed.
9. Jamestown, ND
In Jamestown, ND, you need to obtain a kennel permit if you have 3 or more dogs or cats, or a combination thereof. A pet license is required for every dog and cat over the age of 3 months in the city. The chief of police offers one-year and three-year licenses, according to the city code.
10. Valley City, ND
In Valley City, ND, no more than 6 pets may be kept on the premises of any dwelling unit, per the city's Code or Ordinance. This restriction does not apply to legal pets under the age of 6 months. A kennel license is required to own more than 6 pets over six months of age in the city.
Are there any dog breeds banned or restricted in North Dakota?
North Dakota has no statewide law banning or restricting particular dog breeds. However, some municipalities within the state have BSL banning or restricting certain dog breeds. Commonly banned or restricted breeds include pit bulls and Rottweilers. In Devils Lake, ND, for example, the keeping of pit bull dogs is prohibited. By "Pit bull dog," the city's municipal code means the bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, and any dog that resembles a pit bull. Make sure to research dog ownership laws in your locality if you're considering keeping a pit bull or Rottweiler dog.
