For most pet parents, one dog is all they need. But for some of us, even two pooches aren’t enough. True, owning multiple dogs can be a lot of work, yet it’s well worth it! But wait—what does the government have to say about this? Is there a limit to how many pups you can legally have?

This depends on the city that you live in. Some towns only allow a person to own 2–3 dogs, while others say you’re free to have four. If you live in the countryside, there won’t be any legal restrictions regarding canine citizens. What penalties should you expect? How do you avoid them? Let’s dig a bit deeper and figure this out!

Dog Ownership: What You Need to Know

Animals in the US are considered personal property. That’s why you’re often asked to provide proof of ownership for the dog (or any other pet, for that matter). So, how does legal ownership work? It’s not that complicated, really. If you got the pooch from a local shelter, the adoption record should be enough. Veterinary records can also help prove that you are, indeed, the owner.

Or you can just take a short video that features you with the dog. These days, microchips and tags are becoming more popular as they make it easier to travel with pets. And one more thing: as the owner, you will be responsible for the havoc caused by the doggo. We’re talking about injuries (like the dog biting someone) and damages (broken gadgets, devoured pillows, and so on).

How Many Dogs Can One Person Legally Own?

For most states/jurisdictions, the number varies from two to four. If you have more than that, you will be required to get an animal permit from the local government (the animal care center, to be precise). These rules don’t apply to pups that haven’t yet reached four months, though. However, even if your dogs aren’t mature enough yet, you should still prepare for the “big day”.

Good news: folks that live in rural areas won’t have to worry about this much because the laws over there aren’t nearly as strict. As long as the doggies aren’t causing any trouble to your neighbors, there’s nothing to worry about. The same can’t be said about single-/double-family homes and commercial properties in cities, though.

How Much Does a License/Permit Cost?

Special permits for owning “extra” pets usually don’t cost more than $100. Get in contact with local authorities to know how much you’ll have to pay for the privilege of having more than 2–4 dogs in your house. Also, do keep in mind that animal licenses often mean regular inspections by city officials and additional rules.

Are There Any Penalties Involved?

The short answer is yes, and the fines vary based on the city, state, and the number of violations. In Buffalo, you’ll be fined $15 for a first-time violation. If you’re caught for a second time, you’ll have to pay $25; a third violation will be steeper: $50. In Oakland, the penalties are more severe. First offenses are punishable by $50. A second offense will set you back $100; the third one will cost $500.

In the worst-case scenario, you might even end up in jail! Can a dog owner challenge these legislations, though? Technically, yes, you, as a pet parent, do have the right to challenge government-enacted ordinances. However, don’t expect the results to be in your favor. In most cases, if you take the case to court, the law won’t be on your side.

Why Do These Restrictions Exist?

In urban areas, dogs that lack obedience training can quickly become a nuisance. The noise and odors are usually the main reason behind most complaints. Property damage is another big problem. And if the dogs are overly aggressive toward the neighbors, that often leads to an unwanted escalation. A single dog can be controlled, but when there are more than a few, in the eyes of the city, that’s a potential hazard.

Tips for Avoiding Lawsuits

Animal control representatives don’t go door-to-door checking how many dogs each family has. Instead, they react whenever a complaint is sent their way. So, to stay under the law’s radar, always discuss potential issues with your neighbors. Train your dogs well, keep them on a leash, and make reasonable concessions to keep the dog(s) out of trouble.

Dog Safety Rules for When You’re Away: A Quick Guide

Before you shut the front door and leave, here’s what you need to do:

Grooming: Keeping the Dog Healthy

Dogs are loyal, intelligent, and (mostly) self-sufficient, but they still rely on their human parents for grooming. If you do it right, the dog will live a longer, happier life. But, before you do any brushing, trimming, or cleaning, let the dog sniff the brush or clipper to get used to its smell and to how it feels.

Also, give the pet a chance to hear the sounds the tool makes before you get down to business. Now, we all know how important it is to keep a dog’s coat brushed and bathed. But how often should you do that? And what about brushing, trimming, and cleaning? Let’s talk about that next:

Brushing

All dogs shed—that’s the natural way of things. However, all that lost hair often sticks to the new coat, making the pet uncomfortable. That’s why brushing is a must! First, it improves air circulation in the coat, helping it grow faster and stronger. Secondly, regular brushing maintains a healthy amount of grease on the skin or hair. Thick, long coats need to be brushed every other day. If it’s short, do it 3–4 times a month.

Bathing

Unlike humans, dogs don’t like to take long showers twice a day. You won’t have to bathe them once a week or even once a month, either. On average, one proper bath per season or every 3–4 months will suffice. Only consider bathing your four-legged champ more often if it likes to play in the dirt or has something smelly on its coat. And remember only use dog-specific shampoo and rinse generously.

Trimming

Dog nails don’t grow straight; instead, they curve, which turns walking into a challenge. When left untreated, this can lead to broken toenails, not to mention hurt the pooch. So, make nail clipping a part of your routine and do it at least twice a month. Make sure the blade is sharp and be very gentle. Also, use lots of positive reinforcement and don’t rush it: sometimes, it takes weeks to clip a dog’s nails.

Ears and Teeth

Cleaning the ears of a doggo once a week or so will improve its hearing and help avoid infections. Cotton balls are the best choice, but baby wipes will also do. Water is NOT recommended, though, because it doesn’t feel good inside a dog’s ears and takes a long time to vaporize. The teeth, in turn, should be cleaned 2–3 times a week. Only use dog-specific brushes and toothpaste.

Conclusion

If you’re a dog parent, you know how hard it can sometimes be to take care of a pet. Training, regular exercises, mental stimulation, and grooming sure do take time and effort. That’s probably why 65% of American households only own one doggo. That said, if you’re ready to put extra work in to raise two or three dogs, we salute you!

But first, make sure your four-legged buds are vaccinated and registered. Next, check the local laws to see what the government has to say about owning multiple dogs. Chances are that local authorities don’t allow more than 2–3 dogs in a single household. If that’s the case, knowing in advance will help sort things out swiftly.

• Related Read: How Long Can a Dog Bark Legally in the USA? State By State Regulations

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Featured Image Credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock