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

A doodle dog

South Carolina, like many other states, has no statewide law dictating how many pets you can own. However, municipalities within the Palmetto State have their own local laws governing pet ownership. These local pet ownership laws vary from municipality to municipality. Therefore, the maximum number of dogs or cats you can legally own depends on where you live in South Carolina.

In some South Carolina cities, up to 4 dogs or 4 cats are allowed per household. In others, a total of three dogs and/or cats are permitted per residence. Check with your local Animal Control to determine how many pets are allowed per household in the area where you live. Below are some South Carolina municipalities with local laws restricting the number of pets residents can have.

1. Charleston, SC

No more than 3 dogs and 3 cats are allowed per household in the city of Charleston, South Carolina. Per the City's Laws and Ordinances regarding pets, this restriction doesn't apply to cats and dogs under one year of age. Animals are not allowed on any tennis court, fenced recreation field, or athletic field at any time within the city limits. Pet owners must not permit their animals to stray or in any manner to run at large in or upon any public street, sidewalk, or other public place in the city. When in public places within the city, all dogs and cats must be on a leash not more than 16 feet long.

2. Greenville, SC

In the City of Greenville, SC, you can have up to 5 dogs or 5 cats without a permit. Per the city's municipal code, any premises on which six or more dogs or cats are kept is deemed a kennel, the operation of which requires a license. The city has a pooper scooper law requiring all pet owners to promptly remove all feces left by their animals upon any public property within the city.

3. Goose Creek, SC

Without a permit, a total of 3 dogs and/or 3 cats may be kept at any residence within the city of Goose Creek, SC. With an annual permit, up to 6 dogs and/or 6 cats may be kept at any residence within the city. For each additional dog and/or cat over the maximum number allowed, the permit fee is $25 annually. Animal Control Officers issue the permit on a conditional basis, according to the city code. They have the authority to revoke a permit upon conviction of a public nuisance offense.

4. Greer, SC

In Greer, South Carolina, the number of dogs or cats you can own isn't limited. However, the city has minimum standard requirements for keeping 3 dogs outside. These required minimum standards are outlined in the city's Code or Ordinances. For example, keeping 3 dogs outside requires a kennel facility, which must not be situated within 100 feet of the residence of another. As a cat owner in the city, you must not permit your feline to freely roam out of doors unless it has been spayed or neutered.

5. Spartanburg, SC

A maximum of 5 adult dogs and/or 5 adult cats is allowed per residence without a permit in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The city's municipal code describes an adult dog or cat as a dog or cat over the age of four months. To own more dogs or cats, you need to obtain a multiple-animal permit, the issuance of which is subject to premises inspection.

6. North Augusta, SC

A maximum of 3 dogs or 3 cats, four months of age or older, is allowed per residential premises in North Augusta, SC. The keeping of goats, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, pheasants, or pigeons is allowed in the city. Per City Ordinances, goats must be kept at least 50 feet from the property of another. The keeping of domestic fowl must not disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of nearby residents.

7. Forest Acres, SC

In Forest Acres, SC, each household is limited to 3 pets. All pets are required by the City Code to be inoculated against rabies prior to July 1st of each year. Forest Acres has a pooper scooper law that requires all pet owners to remove any solid waste deposited by their pets on any public walks, roadways, or property within the city.

8. Hanahan, SC

In Hanahan, SC, the law says it's unlawful for any resident to own more than 3 cats and 3 dogs over the age of four months. If you exceed the limit, you must take corrective action after notice from the animal control officer. Otherwise, the animal control officer will have the excess animals removed to the county pound or other humane facility. The city's municipal code requires that all pets be vaccinated against rabies.

9. West Columbia, SC

It is unlawful for a household within the city of West Columbia, SC, to have more than 6 pets. Of the 6 pets, no more than 3 may be dogs, per City Ordinances. This restriction does not apply to pets less than 4 months old, nor to legally maintained domestic chickens.

10. Lake City, SC

The number of dogs you can have in Lake City, South Carolina, is limited to two. Lake City's municipal code does not limit the number of cats you can own. The keeping of kennels, pens, or other enclosures for the keeping of dogs within the city is prohibited. Furthermore, it's unlawful for any dog owner in the city to allow his dog to bark to the extent that it disturbs his neighbor's peace.
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