If you reside within a HOA community in Pennsylvania, that is. In some Pennsylvania municipalities, you can't own more than 6 pets without a permit. So before welcoming any additional furry friend into your home, make sure you check with your local animal control or HOA (if you live in one). All dogs three months of age or older in Pennsylvania must be licensed, as required by state law. Here are some Pennsylvania municipalities that have pet limit laws.
1. Pittsburgh, PA
You may have a maximum of 5 pets in the city of Pittsburgh, PA. For example, you may have 5 dogs, 5 cats, 4 dogs and 1 cat, or 3 cats and 2 dogs. Or any combination of dogs and cats not exceeding a total of 5. All dogs and cats in the City of Pittsburgh must be vaccinated against rabies. In addition, all dogs must be licensed, but cats must not. The keeping of pure wolf or wolf-mix dogs is prohibited in the City of Pittsburgh. Also, the City prohibits the keeping of a non-domestic cat or non-domestic cat-mix.
2. Reading, PA
In Reading, PA, a maximum of 6 cats or 6 dogs or any combination of both not exceeding a total of 6 is allowed per dwelling unit. A permit issued by the City Property Maintenance Division is required to have more than 6 cats or dogs in Reading, PA. Before you're granted a permit, your premises will be inspected and approved by an Animal Control Officer. For more details, please refer to the city of Reading's municipal code.
3. Bethlehem, PA
Without a kennel license, you can have a maximum of 6 dogs or cats or any combination thereof not exceeding 6 in the city of Bethlehem, PA. Keeping more than 6 pets without obtaining a kennel license is deemed a public nuisance, per Bethlehem's animal ordinance. In addition to dogs or cats, you may keep rabbits or guinea pigs, but you must allow them to run at large.
4. Haverford, PA
In the Township of Haverford, you may have a maximum of 4 dogs three months of age or older. This restriction applies to residential housing units located on any lot less than one acre in area. Or, in any industrial or business establishment or on its grounds within the Township. It does not apply to properly licensed catteries and kennels, according to the Township Code.
5. Harrisburg, PA
In the City of Harrisburg, PA, the law says you may not own more than 5 dogs or 5 cats or any combination thereof. A kennel/cattery permit issued by the Animal Control Section is required to exceed this limit. The city code makes it unlawful for all dog and cat owners to permit their animals to run at large on public streets, sidewalks, or other public places in the city. Furthermore, all dogs and cats must be on a leash not exceeding 8 feet in length at all times when in public places within the city.
6. York, PA
If you reside in York, Pennsylvania, the maximum number of domestic pets (except for species of fish) you can own is 6. Domestic animals under six months of age are not subject to this regulation. The keeping of more than six legal animals in the city requires a permit, per city ordinances. Animals that are legal to own in the city include but are not limited to cats, dogs, ferrets, Frogs, Gerbils, Guinea pigs, Cage birds, hamsters, lizards, rabbits, fancy rats, nonpoisonous snakes, and Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs.
7. Manheim Township, PA
In Manheim Township, a maximum of 5 dogs or 5 cats, or a combination thereof, not to exceed a total of 5 is allowed per household in any zoning district. According to the Township's website, kittens and puppies under the age of 6 months are not subject to this restriction.
8. Falls Township, PA
No more than 4 dogs are allowed per residence in Falls Township, PA. The Township Code also limits each residence to 6 cats. If you wish to keep both cats and dogs, they must not exceed 6 in total. This regulation doesn't apply to properly licensed kennels.
9. Hazleton, PA
In the City of Hazleton, PA, you're allowed to own no more than 4 pets without a permit. The city's municipal code says this restriction does not apply to pets (dogs or cats) under the age of six months. You need to obtain a permit from the City Environmental Specialist to own more than 4 pets.
10. Easton, PA
If you live in the City of Easton, PA, you're allowed to keep a maximum of 6 dogs or cats at your residence. The city code limits each residence to 6 pets six months of age or older. To own more than 6 domestic pets within the city, you're required to apply for and obtain a permit from the Chief Health Administrator.
