How Many Dogs Can You Have in Utah?
While there is no statewide limit on how many dogs you can have in Utah, municipalities may have their own laws.
Written by Bee Davis
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
While Utah doesn’t have a statewide limit on how many dogs you can own, specific cities and towns may have their own ordinances for dog owners.
As many dog lovers know, you can never have enough canine companionship. The Beehive State seems to agree, as there is no statewide limit on the number of dogs you can have in Utah. However, individual cities tend to have their own specific laws surrounding dog ownership for their residents.
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Does Utah have laws limiting how many dogs you can own?
In Utah, dog ownership laws are generally left up to specific counties and cities. Urban areas tend to allow only 4-6 animals per household, with no more than two dogs allowed at an address.
For example, Salt Lake City allows no more than four animals per household, including no more than two cats, two dogs, and two pot-bellied pigs. You can, however, get a pet exemption permit through the city that allows you up to four dogs or cats, as long as you meet the requirements of statute
23-3-108
. Cities will also make exceptions for young animals. Kittens and puppies are usually exempt from city ownership limits as long as they’re below a certain age, usually three months.
Check with your municipality's ownership laws to learn about the specific laws for your area. Depending on where you live, you may be able to get a permit to have more than the enforced maximum.
Are there any dog breeds outlawed in Utah?
In 2015, Utah’s state legislature passed a law that bans Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) statewide. This means that counties and cities are not allowed to discriminate against specific dog breeds through legislation.
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Breeds that are commonly targeted by BSL include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds. Many states are adopting similar policies to Utah’s that ban restrictions on specific breeds statewide. In Utah, all breeds are legal for owners to adopt.
What are the leash laws in Utah?
Any dog owner knows that their canine can become a little escape artist if he smells something interesting past the fence. But what are the laws regarding dogs running off-leash in Utah?
As with limits on the number of dogs you can own, counties and cities are authorized by the state to set their own leash laws.
Generally, urban areas do not allow dogs to run free without the control of their owner, meaning they must wear a well-fitting leash and collar at all times. Unless you’re in a designated dog park or off-leash area, your dog should be leashed in public at all times.
Dog laws exist to keep Utah residents safe and undisturbed by dogs running loose in the street, and owners who break these laws can face severe consequences.
Penalties for breaking dog laws in Utah
The severity of consequences for breaking dog laws depends on the situation. There are no statewide penalties in place, leaving individual courts and judges to determine punishments for dog law violations in each case.
In general, dog owners are liable for any damages done by their dog. Any property damage, injury, or death caused by a dog is the owner’s responsibility.
However, per a state statute, owners are exempt from liability if their dog injures or kills another animal if that animal enters the owner’s property without permission.
Other than that, Utah’s statewide dog ownership laws are a lot looser than other states, allowing for individual municipalities to set their own rules. Research penalties for breaking dog laws in your area to learn more.
Where to find affordable insurance in Utah
If you’re looking to add another furry friend to your family, you’re probably looking for a way to save money wherever you can. Between vet bills, food, and other costs (furniture damage, anyone?), owning a pet can be expensive—but your pet and home insurance don’t have to be!
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