Pittsburghers with a house full of furry friends may want to count how many paws are under their roof.
City law generally prohibits a person from owning, harboring or maintaining more than five dogs or cats, or any combination of the two, within Pittsburgh. That means a household could have five dogs, five cats or a mix such as three cats and two dogs. A sixth dog or cat would generally put the household over the limit.
The restriction applies specifically to dogs and cats, making descriptions of the ordinance as a broad “five-pet limit” potentially misleading.
Pittsburgh Animal Care and Control provides information for pet owners and the city's requirements at pittsburghpa.gov.
When Pittsburgh allows more than five dogs or cats
The city provides exceptions to the five-animal limit.
Residents who
foster dogs or cats and help place them in permanent homes can keep more than five if they obtain an exemption permit fromPittsburgh Animal Care and Control.
Permitted kennels and catteries also are exempt from the limit. The exception extends to kennels registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Young puppies and kittens have a separate exception
A litter of puppies or kittens between 7 and 12 weeks old does not count toward the five-animal limit.
Litters must be registered with Pittsburgh Animal Care and Control within 10 days of birth. The city does not charge a registration fee.
For most Pittsburgh households, the bottom line is straightforward: Five dogs or cats, in any combination, are permitted. Keeping a sixth generally requires the household or animals to qualify for one of the city's exceptions.
This story was produced by reporter Gabby Sartori, [gsartori@usatodayco.com], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more atcm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. Find more from the Steel City at our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is it Legal? Pittsburgh limits how many dogs and cats you can keep
