How Many Dogs Can You Have in Idaho
Certain municipalities in Idaho may restrict the number of dogs you can own, but there is no statewide law.
Written by Bee Davis
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
While
Idaho
doesn’t have a statewide restriction on the number of dogs you can own, specific cities may have their own ordinances. As any dog lover knows, you can never have too many dogs. The state of Idaho seems to agree, as there is no statewide law that caps the number of dogs you can own. Certain municipalities, however, may be subject to their own laws and ordinances regarding dog ownership. Leash laws, “dangerous dog” laws, and the penalties for breaking them all vary by city.
Renters
and homeowners
insurance expert Jerry
has all the information you need about dog ownership laws in Idaho. In this article, we’ll cover cities with dog ownership laws, leash laws, Breed Specific Legislation, and the penalties for breaking dog ownership ordinances in the state of Idaho. MORE:
Is the Jerry app legit?
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Does Idaho have laws limiting how many dogs you can own?
While Idaho doesn’t have a statewide law restricting the number of dogs you can own, individual municipalities may have their own laws.
Here are some of the cities in Idaho that have laws about the number of dogs you can own, including the maximum number of dogs allowed and links to their statutes:
In most cities, owning more than the maximum number of dogs allowed requires a kennel license. Check with your local ordinances to learn how many dogs you’re allowed to have in your area.
Are there any dog breeds outlawed in Idaho?
While there are no statewide laws around dog breeds in Idaho, certain counties and cities may have their own Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). BSL refers to any law that bans or restricts certain dogs based on breed, most commonly pit bulls, Dobermans, and rottweilers.
Currently, there are only 4 cities with BSL in Idaho, all specifically targeted at pit bulls. Ashton and Georgetown ban pit bulls altogether, while Cascade has determined them to be “dangerous”. The city of
Jerome
also considers them to be an “unlawful property nuisance”. Aside from Breed Specific Legislation, the state of Idaho has certain restrictions around what is deemed to be “dangerous” or an “at-risk” dog.
An “at-risk dog” is any dog that has bitten or attacked a person unprovoked without causing them serious injury. “Dangerous dogs” are dogs that have inflicted injury on a person unprovoked, or have been previously found to be at risk and attack unprovoked again.
MORE: Can You Get Pet Insurance for a Pet with Preexisting Conditions?
What are the leash laws in Idaho?
Any dog owner knows that a canine companion can turn into an escape artist when presented with a tempting smell beyond the fence. But what are the laws about unleashed dogs in Idaho?
Well, Idaho doesn’t have a statewide leash law, but individual cities will have their own leash ordinances that dog owners are expected to follow. For example, the city of Boise requires dogs to be leashed or otherwise under the control of their owner while out in public, except in designated
off-leash areas
. The city of Menan also has leash laws that require dogs to be leashed in public. If you’re curious about leash laws in your city, you can research your area’s ordinances about leashing in public and find off-leash areas near you.
Leash laws and dog ordinances are meant to keep residents safe and unperturbed by dogs. Breaking these laws can have consequences not only for dog owners but for their dogs as well.
Penalties for breaking dog laws in Idaho
As with any violation of the law, the penalty for breaking dog laws in Idaho depends on the severity of the situation.
If a dog attacks someone unprovoked, the owner can be made responsible for all medical expenses or damage to personal property caused by the dog. These dogs are then deemed either “dangerous” or “at-risk”, depending on the offense.
A dog’s status as “dangerous” can be repealed by law enforcement if the dog is not involved in any violent incidents for a minimum of 2 years.
Owners of dogs that are determined to be “dangerous” or “at-risk” may be subject to certain restrictions, such as being required to kennel the dog at home, the document said dog with law enforcement or posting “beware of dog” signs on their property. Owners of dangerous dogs may also be required to muzzle their dogs in public.
Refusing to comply with these laws can result in a hefty fine, ranging from $500 to $7,000 as well as jail time for repeated offenses.
Where to find affordable insurance in Idaho
If you love living in Idaho, you’ll love saving money on
renters
and homeowners
insurance with Jerry
!The top-rated insurance comparison app across all platforms,
Jerry
compares quotes from 50+ top insurance companies to get you the best bang for your buck. Whether it’s car
, renters
, or homeowners
insurance, Jerry
can save you $800+ per year with a free quote! That’s right; quotes from Jerry
are fast, easy, and absolutely free. Just download the app, answer a few questions, and get the cheapest quotes
in seconds with Jerry
, the insurance super app
! “I would 11/10 recommendJerry. I was originally quoted $700+ for insurance for my new car, but by using Jerry I got my payments down to $320 a month. They also have a great support team ready to answer any questions!” —Tobias F.
Let Jerry find you the best homeowners insurance policy for your needs
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Shop Now
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Save an average of 18% by bundling your home and auto insurance
Bundle your home and auto insurance with Jerry and save!
4.7You might also be interested
