How Many Pets (Dogs/Cats) Can You Own in New York?

A Siamese cat sitting on a chair

New York State has no statewide law regarding the number of dogs or cats you can own. However, there may be restrictions in the city or town in which you live. So be sure to check with your city, town, or village before adding multiple pets to your household. In some New York municipalities, no more than 4 pets are allowed per household. In others, there are no restrictions on the number of pets residents can own. Contact your local animal control office to determine whether there is a limit to the number of dogs or cats you can have in your locality. Here are some New York municipalities that restrict the number of pets households can have.

1. Hempstead, NY

In the Village of Hempstead, NY, no household is allowed to have more than a combined total of 4 adult dogs and cats. For example, you may own 2 dogs and 2 cats, 3 dogs and 1 cat, 3 cats and 1 dog, 4 dogs and 0 cats, or 4 cats and 0 dogs. Per the Village Code, it is unlawful to allow your dog to run at large upon streets or public places of the Village.

2. Brookhaven, NY

The Town of Brookhaven's municipal code says no more than 10 dogs, 6 months of age or older, may be kept on any plot in a residential district within the Town. You may obtain a special permit from the Board of Appeals to own more than 10 dogs in a residential district. The Town Code does not restrict the number of cats you can own in a residential district.

3. Buffalo, NY

In the City of Buffalo, NY, a maximum of 3 dogs is allowed on premises classified as single- or double-family residences. Any single- or double-family residence harboring more than 3 dogs over the age of 4 months is deemed a kennel. For premises classified as multiple dwellings, the maximum number of dogs allowed per household is 1. However, you can have as many cats as you can care for, as the city code does not restrict the number of felines a household can have.

4. Rochester, NY

The City of Rochester's municipal code allows no more than 4 adult dogs per premises containing 3 or fewer dwelling units. In any dwelling unit in a premises containing 4 or more dwelling units, no more than 1 dog may be kept. In Rochester, as in many other NY municipalities, you can own as many cats as you can adequately care for.

5. Cheektowaga, NY

The Town of Cheektowaga's municipal code says no more than 3 dogs may be kept on any premises in the Town. However, dogs under six months of age are exempted from this restriction, which also does not apply to cats.

6. Schenectady, NY

In the City of Schenectady, NY, no more than 3 dogs, ages six months or older, are allowed per premises. A valid purebred dog license is required to exceed this limit. The city's municipal code does not restrict cat ownership. All dogs 4 months of age or older in the City of Schenectady are required to be licensed.

7. Irondequoit, NY

The Town of Irondequoit allows no more than 2 dogs per dwelling unit in residential districts. There is no restriction on cats kept as pets in the Town. You may secure a special use permit from the Animal Control Officer to own 3 or more dogs in the Town. All dog owners in the Town are required to license their pets, according to the Town's website.

8. Henrietta, NY

The Town of Henrietta's municipal code limits households to 3 dogs without a permit. A Special Permit from the Henrietta Town Board is required to exceed this limit. If you are a cat person in Henrietta Town, you can own as many domestic felines as you want. To apply for a Special Permit to own more than 3 dogs, visit the Town's official website.

9. West Seneca, NY

In West Seneca, NY, a maximum of 3 dogs and an unrestricted number of cats is allowed per household. If you intend to have more than 3 dogs, you must secure a multiple-dog housing license from the Town Clerk. You'll be granted the license after an Animal Control Officer performs an inspection of your premises, per the Town's website. As required by New York State law, all dogs 4 months or older in West Seneca must be licensed and have updated rabies vaccinations.

10. Freeport, NY

The Village of Freeport's municipal code says you may keep 4 dogs or 4 cats in any residential housing or dwelling unit within the Village.
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