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

A puppy sleeping next to a cat

In Montana, as in many other states, the number of dogs and cats households can have isn't regulated by state laws. Instead, it is regulated by local ordinances. As a result, laws regarding pet ownership in Montana may vary from municipality to municipality. This means that the maximum number of pets you can legally own in Montana depends on where you live and the regulations there. In most Montana municipalities, households are limited to 2 dogs and 2 cats. You may contact your local animal control office to determine the allowable number of pets in your city. Below, I've listed a few Montana cities along with their pet limit laws.

1. Billings, MT

In Billings, Montana, you may own 3 dogs and/or 3 cats without a permit. To exceed this number, a small animal permit is required. As a holder of such a permit, you are subject to regulation and inspection by an animal control officer or the health department. You must see to it that your dogs do not unreasonably annoy or disturb any person by continuous and habitual barking, howling, yelping, whining, or other noise. Otherwise, you'll be guilty of maintaining a public nuisance, which is deemed a misdemeanor, according to the City Code.

2. Missoula, MT

Households in Missoula, MT, are required to obtain a multiple-dog permit to own more than 2 dogs. If you own just 2 dogs, you don't need a permit. If you're a cat person in Missoula, you can have as many cats as you can properly care for. However, all cats, dogs, and ferrets over 3 months of age are required by the county code to be vaccinated for rabies. All dogs living in Missoula must also have a city license. Unlike dogs, cats aren't required to be licensed in Missoula.

3. Great Falls, MT

In Great Falls, MT, each household is limited to 2 dogs and 2 cats over the age of 4 months. You need to apply for and obtain a multiple-animal permit to own more than 2 cats or dogs in Great Falls. According to the city's website, you could be subject to fines if you have more than the allowed number of pets without a permit. All dogs and cats 4 months of age in Great Falls are required to have current rabies vaccinations. Additionally, they are required to have a license, which can be obtained through a local vet or Animal Shelter.

4. Bozeman, MT

Without a kennel license, each household in Bozeman, MT, is allowed to have no more than 2 cats and 2 dogs. A kennel license from the city is required to exceed this limit. All applications for a kennel license will be reviewed and approved by the chief of police. But before your application is approved, the chief of police will investigate your premises. In addition, you must provide a written notice to all property owners within 200 feet of your residences. All dog owners in Bozeman are required by ordinance to have their dogs registered, numbered, and licensed annually with the city Department of Finance.

5. Butte-Silver Bow, MT

According to the Butte-Silver Bow County Code, owning more than 3 adult dogs or cats is considered a kennel, which requires a license. This means you don't need a kennel license if you own 3 dogs or 3 cats in Butte-Silver Bow. All applications for a kennel license must be made to the treasurer. For your application to be approved, you must provide written consent of at least 75% of property owners within 100 feet of your residence.

6. Helena, MT

In Helena, as in many other Montana cities, the keeping of more than 2 cats or dogs requires a multiple-animal license. As required by the city code, all pet dogs, cats, and ferrets over 3 months of age must have a valid rabies vaccination. As a dog owner in Helena, you may be cited if your dog makes noise continuously, on 3 separate occasions, over a seven-day period for longer than 30 minutes.

7. Belgrade, MT

Within the city of Belgrade, MT, it is unlawful to keep more than 2 adult dogs on a lot or tract of land without a kennel license. A kennel, unfortunately, is not currently permitted in residential zones within the city. But in B-2, B-3, M-1, and M-2 districts, a kennel is allowed as a conditional use, according to the city code. All owners of dogs over 6 months of age within the city limits are required to license their pets. However, you won't be issued a dog license unless you provide proof of current anti-rabies vaccination. If you're a cat person in Belgrade, MT, you should rejoice because the number of cats you own is not limited. You should rejoice even more because you are not required to license your cats either.

8. Anaconda, MT

According to the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Animal Control, households are limited to 3 pets. To exceed this limit, you must apply for and obtain a Kennel License. All dogs in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County are required to have an ADLC dog license.

9. Livingston, MT

In Livingston, MT, no more than 2 dogs are allowed per residence. Dogs under the age of 4 months are exempted from this law. All dogs and cats over the age of 4 months are required by City Ordinances to be vaccinated and licensed. No more than 2 unaltered cats are allowed per household while a maximum of 6 altered cats is allowed per household. A kennel or cattery license is required to own more than 2 dogs or more than 2 unaltered cats in Livingston, MT.

10. Miles, MT

In the city of Miles, owning more than 3 dogs is considered a kennel, the operation of which is prohibited within the city limits. All dogs living in the city of Miles must be vaccinated and have a city license, according to the city's Animal-related ordinances. There is no limit on the number of cats you can own in Miles, MT. However, all cats are required to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed vet.
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