Known for its wide-open spaces and abundant outdoor experiences, Alaska is a great place for pet owners. Speaking of pet ownership, there is no state-wide law in Alaska restricting the number of pets residents can own. On the local level, however, there may be some rules. In other words, each municipality in Alaska has the authority to limit the number of pets that can be kept in a household.
Consequently, you may want to contact your local animal authorities before getting any additional pets. Meanwhile, in this post, I will list some Alaska cities that have ordinances limiting the number of pets residents can have.
Anchorage
In Anchorage, the most populated city in Alaska, you can own up to 6 pets without a license. However, you can not own more than three animals of the same species without a license. For example, without a multi-animal facility license, it is unlawful to own more than 3 dogs, 3 cats, 3 rabbits, 3 ferrets, or 3 horses in Anchorage, AK. However, having any combination of six of the above animals is allowed without a license.
This means that if you wish to own more than six pets in Anchorage, you must obtain a multi-animal facility license. This law, however, does not apply to puppies and kittens under the age of four months, so long as they are not for sale. The multi-animal facility license is valid for two years from the date of issuance.
In Anchorage, pets are not allowed in a public place unless they are controlled by a leash. This leash must be held by a person competent to restrain the animal. Pet cats over the age of four months are required to wear an identification tag at all times in public places except when the cat is under control by leash or confinement. Pet dogs over the age of four months are required by the City Ordinance to be licensed with the city.
Kenai
The city of Kenai restricts the number of dogs to 3 per household. However, you can obtain a kennel license to own more than three dogs. On the other hand, there is no limit on the number of cats you can own in Kenai as long as you can properly care for them. According to the city's website, if you have more than three dogs in your home, you will be in violation of city ordinance. All pet dogs over the age of three months are required by the Kenai Municipal Code to have a City License.
Palmer
If you reside in the city of Palmer, you may own no more than 6 pets, unless you live in an agricultural-zoned district. Animals that are allowed to be kept in Palmer include dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, nonpoisonous reptiles, and domestic birds. Except for domestic birds, you may not keep more than three of each type of the above animals. As for domestic birds, no more than 5 are allowed to be kept. That is if you don't live in an agricultural area. For more info, please refer to Palmer municipal codes.
Kotzebue
Kotzebue residents can own up to five dogs, all of which must be licensed. A thirty-dollar kennel license is required to own six or more dogs in Kotzebue, AK. If you are a cat person in Kotzebue, you are in luck, as there is no limit to the number of felines you can own. However, that does not mean you should own as many cats as you can not properly care for.
Dillingham
In the city of Dillingham, a kennel permit is required to own four or more domestic animals. This means that only three pets are allowed without a permit, which is issued by the city manager. However, before a kennel permit is issued, the city manager must determine that the animals will not create a public nuisance. In addition, that the applicant will provide humane care to each animal kept, according to Ordinance No. 2018-07.
Alaskans Love Their Dogs
According to a survey by Forbes, Alaska ranks second in the top ten states with the most spoiled dogs. The survey shows that 48% of Alaska pet owners brought their dogs on vacation, 54% prepared homemade dog food or treats, and 31% pushed their dogs in a stroller. Alaska also ranked fourth in the top ten states with the most devoted dog owners.
According to the survey, 54.50% of Alaska pet owners would spend $4,000+ to save their dog's life and 9% stayed at a job they disliked for their dog. Another survey by Forbes shows the Australian Shepherd is Alaska's favorite dog breed. According to US News, the top five most popular dog breeds in Alaska include the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Chihuahua, French Bulldog, and Yorkshire Terrier.
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