Michigan is pet-friendly, boasting a myriad of pet-friendly trails and beaches. The Great Lakes State has an official state bird, fish, and reptile, but for whatever reason, it doesn't have a state dog. However, that didn't stop 62.4% of Michigan households from owning a pet.
According to Pawlicy Advisor, 41.9% of Michigan households own a dog while 31.2% own a cat. What's more, Michigan has no statewide law that limits pet ownership. However, you may find restrictions at the city or county levels.
In other words, your city or county regulates the number of dogs or cats you can own. So it depends on your specific location within the state and its rules, which can be lenient or very strict. In most Michigan municipalities, you can get away with owning 4 dogs or cats.
However, it is best to check with your city clerk's office or local animal control office for specific rules on pet ownership. On the other hand, a quick search for your city's animal ordinance online might point you in the right direction.
Take the following Michigan municipalities and their pet limit laws for example:
Detroit, Michigan
The City of Detroit's Pet Ownership Guide states that you may not keep more than four animals of the same species four months of age or over in a single residence. For example, a household is not allowed to have more than 4 dogs and/or 4 cats in Detroit. All dogs over the age of 4 months living within the City limits of Detroit must be vaccinated against rabies annually.
It is the duty of every Detroit dog owner to prevent their dogs from engaging in loud, frequent, or habitual barking, yelping, or howling. Additionally, all dogs, when off their owners' property must be leashed and controlled by a responsible person.
Warren, Michigan
Each household in Warren, MI, is limited to no more than 5 dogs or cats. This limit does not include cats and dogs under the age of 6 months. A household may have 2 cats and 3 dogs, 3 cats and 2 dogs, or any combination thereof not exceeding a total of five. Dogs and cats must not be allowed to run at large off of your property.
All dogs are required by law to be leashed and under control in public. In addition, all dogs over 4 months of age must be vaccinated for rabies and licensed by the City. Furthermore, you are required to clean up after your pets in public as well as in your yard.
Sterling Heights, Michigan
You may not keep more than four domestic animals over the age of four months in a household in Sterling Heights, MI. For example, you may own 4 dogs, 4 cats, 2 dogs and 2 cats, 3 dogs and 1 cat, or 1 dog and 3 cats. Puppies and kittens under four months of age are not included under this limit.
Per the city code, you are required by law, at any reasonable time, to show any dog or cat in your possession to any licensed law enforcement officer. In addition, every cat owner must provide, upon request of a law enforcement officer, a certificate of vaccination of their cat. Refusing to do so is deemed unlawful.
Dearborn, Michigan
The city of Dearborn's municipal code states that you may not keep more than 3 dogs aged 6 months or older in any one residence or dwelling. For whatever reason, the city code does not impose a limit on cats. In addition to the number of dogs allowed, you may foster no more than 2 dogs for a period not exceeding three months. All dogs at your residence, including the ones you are fostering, must be licensed. Further, dogs are not allowed in city parks within the city except the Dearborn Dog Park.
Livonia, Michigan
The City of Livonia's municipal code states that you must not maintain more than 3 dogs and/or cats 4 months of age or older on a single premises. All dog and cat owners must apply to the City Clerk for a dog or cat license.
Other Michigan Municipalities
| Municipality | Number of Pets Allowed |
|---|---|
| Farmington Hills, MI | 3 dogs and/or 3 cats |
| East Lansing | 4 Cats or 4 dogs |
| Wyoming, MI | 3 Dogs. No limit on cats |
| Kalamazoo, MI | 3 Dogs. Kennel license required to own more. No limit on cats |
| Dearborn Heights, MI | 3 Pets per household in residential areas |
| Battle Creek, MI | 3 Dogs and 5 cats |
Are There Any Dog Breeds Banned or Restricted in Michigan?
While Michigan has no statewide law that bans dogs based on breed, individual municipalities are currently allowed to enact their own breed-specific laws. As a result, pit bulls are currently banned in more than 10 Michigan municipalities, including Ecorse, MI Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, and Kingsford, MI.
Pit bulls are also restricted in more than 18 municipalities, including Dearborn Heights, MI, and Morenci, MI. In October 2023, Fox2 Detroit reported that Michigan lawmakers proposed bills to prohibit cities, and counties from enacting breed-specific ordinances. The bills are yet to come into force.
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