You Might Be Breaking The Law: MT’s Surprising Pet Limit

BUTTE, MT - It’s hard to imagine a life without the comfort of a wagging tail or the purring motor of a happy cat.

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It's undeniable: pets bring joy, companionship, and a whole lot of unconditional love into most of our lives.

In many Montana households, two dogs and two cats just barely scratch the surface of what "enough pets" looks like. After all, who wouldn’t want a house full of furry friends?

But before you start assembling your own personal animal kingdom, there’s something you need to know: most Montana cities have strict limits on how many pets you can legally own.

And yes — exceeding that number could put you on the wrong side of the law.

The Misunderstood Reality: Pet Limits Exist Across Montana

Every state has laws and regulations surrounding pet ownership, but in Montana, many of the rules are left up to local cities and counties.

And in most of them, the magic number is lower than you might think: you’re generally allowed no more than two dogs and two cats per household without a special permit.

Take a closer look around Montana:

• In Billings, residents can only keep up to two dogs and two cats without applying for a multiple-animal permit.

• Bozeman has similar rules, requiring a kennel license if you exceed two of each.

• Butte enforces animal limits through their city code, and so does Helena, Great Falls, and even smaller towns like Belgrade and Livingston.

The idea isn’t just to be a buzzkill for animal lovers—it’s often about preventing overcrowded homes, maintaining public health standards, and protecting neighborhoods from noise, waste, and safety issues.

We’ve all seen the heartbreaking news stories about someone hoarding dozens of animals in a single home.

Often, those cases end with severely neglected pets and devastated owners.

By putting pet limits in place, cities hope to stop these tragedies before they start.

What Happens If You Want More?

If you're determined to add that third dog or fourth cat to your family, there’s still hope, but it comes with paperwork and inspections.

Many cities offer a Multiple Animal Permit or Kennel License, allowing owners to exceed the two-pet limit legally.

But be warned: the process often involves:

• Home inspections

• Zoning approval

• Proof of proper veterinary care

• Proof of adequate space for the animals

And depending on your city, those permits may come with annual fees and strict renewal requirements.

Montana’s Quirky Animal Laws Don’t Stop There

While the two-dog, two-cat rule might feel strict, Montana also has its share of truly odd animal laws, depending on where you live.

For example:

• In Missoula, chickens are allowed, but only if you live in certain zones, and you might need a neighbor’s permission.

• In Bozeman, ferrets and reptiles are legal to own but come with their own nuanced restrictions (like that they must be leashed).

• Some towns even regulate how many rabbits you can have in your backyard.

It’s all part of Montana’s attempt to balance that frontier spirit of freedom with the realities of living close to your neighbors.

The Bottom Line

As tempting as it is to rescue just one more adorable critter, Montana’s pet ownership laws are clear: no more than two dogs and two cats without official approval.

So next time you pass by the shelter and lock eyes with your future fifth fur baby, remember: a little bit of paperwork stands between you and a full-fledged animal rescue operation.

Because in the Treasure State, even our love for pets has its legal limits.