How Many Dogs Can You Have in Pennsylvania?
While there is no legal restriction to the number of dogs you can have in Pennsylvania, there are dog ownership laws that you must obey.
Written by Claire Beaney
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
There is no state-level limit on the number of dogs you can keep in
Pennsylvania
, but there may be restrictions at the municipal or county level. As a pet parent, you should be aware of additional dog laws in the state.Most dog ownership issues occur at the local level, but issues surrounding obedient dog ownership have been raised statewide. Nothing official has been set in stone yet, but there are certain laws related to “dangerous dogs” and leashes that should be followed to avoid penalties and fines in Pennsylvania.
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Does Pennsylvania have laws limiting how many dogs you can own?
There is no limit on the number of dogs you can own in Pennsylvania at the state level, but this can change at the city or county level.
In
Pittsburgh
, you can’t have more than 5 dogs (or more than 5 pets in general) in a household. The 5 pet restriction excludes a litter of puppies aged 7 to 12 weeks.But in St. Clair, you aren’t allowed to own more than 4 dogs over the age of 6 months on the premises, regardless of how many owners there are.
However, as a general rule, being a good pet owner means limiting the number of dogs you own to an amount you can properly care for, including covering unforeseen medical bills in the event of an emergency.
Are there any dog breeds outlawed in Pennsylvania?
State law does not prohibit any specific dog breeds, but it does place restrictions on what is considered a "dangerous dog." In Pennsylvania, a dangerous dog has
- Inflicted significant injury on a human without provocation on public or private property
- Killed or severely injured a household animal, dog or cat, without provocation, outside the owner’s property
- Attacked a human without provocation
- Been used to commit a crime
To be considered a dangerous dog, it must also have one or both of the following qualities:
- A history of unprovoked attacks on humans and/or domestic animals, such as dogs or cats
- The proclivity to attack humans and/or domestic animals, such as dogs or cats, without provocation (which can be proven by a single incident)
While there are no breeds banned state-wide, some cities might have certain restrictions on breeds like pit bulls—check out the full list
here
.MORE: Can You Get Pet Insurance for a Pet with Preexisting Conditions?
What are the leash laws in Pennsylvania?
Even if you think you’ve got the best-trained pup on the block, you still can’t let them run amok in the Pennsylvania streets.
PA Code § 459-305
mandates that dogs must be confined on their owner's property, firmly secured so they can’t stray, or be properly controlled by an individual.Cities and municipalities will also have specific leash laws. Dogs in
Pittsburgh
, for example, are not allowed on public roadways, sidewalks, other public spaces, or on other people's property unleashed. When walking your dog, it must be restrained by a leash or chain no longer than 6 feet in length.Leash laws in St. Clair, on the other hand, state that no dog can run free in the town, and all dogs must be kept on their owners' property or on a leash and kept clean and healthy.
If you disregard Pennsylvania's leash laws and dangerous dog regulations, you could face serious legal consequences.
Penalties for breaking dog laws in Pennsylvania
The penalties, as with any infraction of the law, are proportional to the severity of the incident.
If a dog attacks a person, the person (or anybody acting on their behalf), the state dog warden, or a police officer can file a complaint with a magistrate charging the owner with harboring a dangerous dog.
You could be charged with criminal negligence depending on the seriousness of the bite or attack. Ultimately, the court may order you to pay all medical expenses, attorney's fees, and fines.
Owners may also be required to surrender their dog while the court determines if euthanasia is necessary. This can soon devolve into a situation in which everyone, including the dog, loses.
Dogs are considered personal property, and owners are liable for any harm their dog does.
It's one thing if your dog destroys your property, but it's quite another when he digs holes in your neighbor's yard or tramples their lovely flower garden. While this isn't as bad as other scenarios, the damage could still cost you money to fix.
Where to find affordable insurance in Pennsylvania
You may not know it, but having the right
homeowners insurance
is especially helpful for any dog owners out there. Liability coverage for home insurance can come in handy if, for example, your dog bites the mailman and you have to deal with the aftermath.If you’re looking for the most comprehensive homeowners insurance at the most affordable prices, look no further than
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