How Many Dogs Can You Have in Montana?
There’s no statewide limit on the number of dogs you can own in Montana, but many local laws limit households to two dogs each.
Written by Katherine Duffy
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Montana
doesn’t have a statewide law that limits the number of dogs you can own, but municipalities and certain counties typically limit each household to 2 dogs. Thinking of adding another furry friend to your family? Be careful—in many municipalities across Montana, you’re only allowed two dogs per household without special permission. Wondering about other kinds of dog-related laws in Montana that could impact you as a dog owner?
Jerry
, the insurance super app
for home insurance
, has you covered. We’ll go over how many dogs you’re able to have in Montana, local breed-specific laws, leash laws, and other key information so you can avoid facing penalties down the road. RECOMMENDED
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Does Montana have laws limiting how many dogs you can own?
While Montana has no state-wide laws limiting the number of dogs you own, you may be limited depending on which municipality you live in. Many municipalities impose dog ownership limitations on their residents, and most municipalities limit each household to just two dogs.
You may be able to get around this limit by obtaining a special permit in certain municipalities. For example, in
Great Falls
and Missoula
County, you can own more than two dogs over the age of four months if you get a Multiple Animal Permit. You’ll have to fill out an application with the local animal shelter, undergo a home inspection, and pay a fee based on how many animals you own to obtain this permit. Are there any dog breeds outlawed in Montana?
Montana doesn’t ban any breeds state-wide, but these four cities in Montana currently have breed-specific legislature banning the following:
- Baker: Pit Bulls and wolf hybrids
- Libby: Pit Bulls
- Lincoln County: Pit Bulls and wolf hybrids
- White Sulphur Springs: Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers
Montana has state-wide dog bite laws holding dog owners strictly liable for dog bites as long as the victim was legally occupying private or public property. This means dog owners usually have to pay a fine in accordance with the severity of the attack, and they’ll have to cover bills related to the attack, such as medical bills.
What are the leash laws in Montana?
Montana has no state-wide leash laws in place, but municipalities may implement their own regulations. Most major cities in Montana have leash laws in place, requiring owners to keep their dogs on a leash at all times, except in areas such as dog parks. Owners still have to keep their dog in control with voice commands in these areas.
For example, if you live within
Missoula
city limits, your dog must be on a leash each time it leaves your property. If you live outside of city limits, Missoula drops the leash law but requires that you keep your dog under control with voice commands, and you must be with your dog at all times. MORE: 8 steps to a perfect road trip with your dog
Penalties for breaking dog laws in Montana
Montana’s most severe dog law penalty is the dog bite law penalty, where owners are strictly liable for their dog’s attack if the victim was lawfully occupying private or public property.
This means that owners of dogs who’ve bitten another person or animal are responsible for covering all financial losses related to the attack. This includes medical bills, property damage repairs, injured livestock, etc. The owner may also have to pay a fine proportionate to the severity of the attack.
Owners may have to pay fines if they break their local leash laws, especially if their dog causes harm while running at large. Each municipality may have different penalties for breaking their leash laws, so it’s best to familiarize yourself with your local laws so you know what to expect if you break these laws.
Where to find affordable insurance in Montana
Your Shih Tzu might do a great job of alerting you about just about anyone who approaches your door, but you still need a great
homeowners insurance
policy to ensure your home is fully protected. Interested in saving money while making sure you’re covered?
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