How Many Dogs Can You Have in Idaho | GetJerry.com (2024)

While

Idaho

doesn’t have a statewide restriction on the number of dogs you can own, specific cities may have their own ordinances.

As any dog lover knows, you can never have too many dogs. The state of Idaho seems to agree, as there is no statewide law that caps the number of dogs you can own. Certain municipalities, however, may be subject to their own laws and ordinances regarding dog ownership. Leash laws, “dangerous dog” laws, and the penalties for breaking them all vary by city.

Renters

and

homeowners

insurance expert

Jerry

has all the information you need about dog ownership laws in Idaho. In this article, we’ll cover cities with dog ownership laws, leash laws, Breed Specific Legislation, and the penalties for breaking dog ownership ordinances in the state of Idaho.

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Does Idaho have laws limiting how many dogs you can own?

While Idaho doesn’t have a statewide law restricting the number of dogs you can own, individual municipalities may have their own laws.

Here are some of the cities in Idaho that have laws about the number of dogs you can own, including the maximum number of dogs allowed and links to their statutes:

  • Boise

    :

    Maximum

    4 dogs or 5 cats, or 4 of a combination of both dogs and cats.

  • Menan:

    Maximum

    2 dogs unless the owner has a kennel

  • Nampa

    :

    Maximum

    2 dogs over the age of 6 months

  • Bingham County:

    More than

    4 dogs requires a kennel license

  • Garden City

    :

    More than

    3 dogs requires a kennel license

  • Idaho Falls

    :

    Maximum

    2 dogs, unless accommodated by zoning ordinances.

In most cities, owning more than the maximum number of dogs allowed requires a kennel license. Check with your local ordinances to learn how many dogs you’re allowed to have in your area.

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Are there any dog breeds outlawed in Idaho?

While there are no statewide laws around dog breeds in Idaho, certain counties and cities may have their own Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). BSL refers to any law that bans or restricts certain dogs based on breed, most commonly pit bulls, Dobermans, and rottweilers.

Currently, there are only 4 cities with BSL in Idaho, all specifically targeted at pit bulls. Ashton and Georgetown ban pit bulls altogether, while Cascade has determined them to be “dangerous”. The city of

Jerome

also considers them to be an “unlawful property nuisance”.

Aside from Breed Specific Legislation, the state of Idaho has certain restrictions around what is deemed to be “dangerous” or an “at-risk” dog.

An “at-risk dog” is any dog that has bitten or attacked a person unprovoked without causing them serious injury. “Dangerous dogs” are dogs that have inflicted injury on a person unprovoked, or have been previously found to be at risk and attack unprovoked again.

MORE: Can You Get Pet Insurance for a Pet with Preexisting Conditions?

What are the leash laws in Idaho?

Any dog owner knows that a canine companion can turn into an escape artist when presented with a tempting smell beyond the fence. But what are the laws about unleashed dogs in Idaho?

Well, Idaho doesn’t have a statewide leash law, but individual cities will have their own leash ordinances that dog owners are expected to follow. For example, the city of Boise requires dogs to be leashed or otherwise under the control of their owner while out in public, except in designated

off-leash areas

. The city of Menan also has leash laws that require dogs to be leashed in public.

If you’re curious about leash laws in your city, you can research your area’s ordinances about leashing in public and find off-leash areas near you.

Leash laws and dog ordinances are meant to keep residents safe and unperturbed by dogs. Breaking these laws can have consequences not only for dog owners but for their dogs as well.

Penalties for breaking dog laws in Idaho

As with any violation of the law, the penalty for breaking dog laws in Idaho depends on the severity of the situation.

If a dog attacks someone unprovoked, the owner can be made responsible for all medical expenses or damage to personal property caused by the dog. These dogs are then deemed either “dangerous” or “at-risk”, depending on the offense.

A dog’s status as “dangerous” can be repealed by law enforcement if the dog is not involved in any violent incidents for a minimum of 2 years.

Owners of dogs that are determined to be “dangerous” or “at-risk” may be subject to certain restrictions, such as being required to kennel the dog at home, the document said dog with law enforcement or posting “beware of dog” signs on their property. Owners of dangerous dogs may also be required to muzzle their dogs in public.

Refusing to comply with these laws can result in a hefty fine, ranging from $500 to $7,000 as well as jail time for repeated offenses.

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How Many Dogs Can You Have in Idaho | GetJerry.com (2024)

FAQs

How Many Dogs Can You Have in Idaho | GetJerry.com? ›

The state of Idaho seems to agree, as there is no statewide law that caps the number of dogs you can own. Certain municipalities, however, may be subject to their own laws and ordinances regarding dog ownership. Leash laws, “dangerous dog” laws, and the penalties for breaking them all vary by city.

How many dogs can live in a household? ›

The number of dogs you can own in California is capped at three or four depending on the specific municipality you live in. Once you own five or more dogs, you need to get a special kennel permit.

How many pets can you have in Boise? ›

“It shall be unlawful for any person to own; keep, harbor, possess, accept, or maintain custody, control, or care of; or license more than three (3) dogs at any single residence, property, or premises.” Boise: “Combination of four (4) animals.”

How many dogs can you have in Nampa Idaho? ›

4. How many dogs am I permitted to own? Nampa City Code 6-2-20A(h) states that only two dogs over the age of six months are permitted per house in the City of Nampa. If you desire to own more than two dogs, you will have to apply for a Kennel License at Nampa City Hall Planning and Zoning (411 3rd St S; 208-468-5484).

How many dogs can you have in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho? ›

No more than 5 dogs may be kept, harbored or possessed on any parcel of real property. Applications for a kennel license (PDF) or renewal thereof shall be made to the Board of County Commissioners.

Is 10 dogs too many? ›

10 dogs is not considered hoarding as long as they are provided for, in good condition and all have enough room to play and stay healthy.

How many dogs are considered hoarding? ›

So, if you were wondering how many animals is considered hoarding – there is no threshold number used to define a pet owner as a hoarder, as there's nothing wrong with having a dozen of cats, dogs, or any other pets, as long as they are provided with adequate shelter, food, and veterinary care.

Is there a dog limit in Idaho? ›

The state of Idaho seems to agree, as there is no statewide law that caps the number of dogs you can own. Certain municipalities, however, may be subject to their own laws and ordinances regarding dog ownership. Leash laws, “dangerous dog” laws, and the penalties for breaking them all vary by city.

How many animals can you own in Idaho? ›

A. License Required: It shall be unlawful to keep, maintain, harbor or possess upon the premises of any one household more than four (4) dogs, or five (5) cats or combination of four (4) such animals, unless the owner or person in charge first procures a noncommercial kennel license as provided by this chapter.

How many dogs can you have in the city of Idaho Falls? ›

(A) It shall be unlawful to maintain upon the premises of any one (1) dwelling or upon the premises of any one (1) business property more than two (2) dogs except, where accommodation or variation from these requirements is appropriate under current Idaho or federal law or where allowed by the Zoning Code or by this ...

Is Idaho a dog friendly state? ›

Southern Idaho is one of the most dog friendly destination you could visit. From exploring the mountains to discovering waterfalls together, your dog will love every second of adventure. There are dog friendly trails in each region, and some even allow your dogs to run free off leash!

How many dogs can you own in Caldwell, Idaho? ›

Dogs: Only three per residence are allowed in all of Canyon County.

Do you have to register your dog in Idaho? ›

The City of Boise, along with all jurisdictions within Ada County, requires dogs to have and wear a license. Failure to license or to renew your dog's license could result in a citation, monetary fine and court fees.

How many dogs can you have in Jerome Idaho? ›

Dog Requirements

Dog licenses are sold at the Jerome Police Station. You must bring in a current copy of rabies vaccination for all dogs 6 months and older. No person shall have or sell more than 3 dogs at a time without a valid and proper kennel license issued by the City of Jerome.

How many dogs can you have in Homedale Idaho? ›

Maximum of 3 dogs allowed.

How many dogs can you have in Meridian Idaho? ›

Pet owners will have some new rules to abide by if they live in the city limits of Meridian. The Meridian City Council on Tuesday adopted new rules restricting the number of dogs per household to three.

Is 4 dogs too many in a house? ›

According to Dr. Michael Fox, the best number of dogs is between 3 and 5. Fox has recently released the following statement: "It is my considered opinion as a veterinarian, animal behaviorist and author of several books that most dogs do best when kept together as small packs.

Is having 5 dogs too much? ›

Your Dogs' Well-Being

If you have four dogs who are all kept bathed, groomed, and well-fed, then four dogs could be okay for you. But if you have a bunch of dogs and not all are fed enough, groomed often enough, or taken to the vet as they should be, then you have too many dogs.

Is it illegal to have more than four dogs in California? ›

Each household may only have four (4) dogs or cats over the age of four months. If you have five (5) or more you are required to obtain a special permit. The number of animals vary by jurisdiction. Check with your local agency.

Is 4 too many dogs? ›

The answer to that question lies in the eye of the beholder, so to speak. Two is too many for some households, ten is too few for others. My own personal best number feels happiest at four.

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