Just wondering if anyone knows of any instances where an exception has been made to a city ordinance limiting the number of dogs in one residence?

The reason that I ask, is that I currently own two dogs. One companion mutt, and one Labrador, who has been training for SAR. I have decided that my Lab just can't do the work physically. He's got the drive, but it's too hard on his joints, so I am going to retire him. I would like to start a new dog, but my city limits dog ownership to two dogs per property. I can understand placing limits, I wouldn't want to live next door to someone with a dozen dogs, who never poop scoops, or who leaves them out in the yard all the time, etc. But, I am not like that. My dogs live in the house, are never left outside in my fenced yard when home alone, and I pick up after them regularly. One more dog will not, in my opinion, place any burden on my neighborhood. Plus, I will not be breeding them.

The only thing that I think may count against me is that I live on a small lot, in a small house. However, my house is much larger than the legal requirements for "secure enclosure" which is to be no less than 8'X 4' per dog, so there may be some help there.

Anyway, adding a third dog to my household has been something that I have had to think long and hard about, and I have come to the conclusion that I can handle another dog, and that SAR is just too important to me to quit. Just want to know if there is anything I can do about that city ordinance.

I would try the city attorney. he/she may be able to help you get a variance/relief from the ordinance if the third dog is for SAR. you may also want to speak to your alderman/city rep/ward boss/city council member (whatever you have) and get their opinion. Also, if you work with the local authorities doing SAR ask the police/fire chief to speak up on your behalf.

you may also want to take a close look at the ordinance. quite often they will have exceptions for businesses/breeders/working dogs etc.

good luck

Many ordinances restricting the number of dogs also has an ordinance that stipulates under what criteria more than the legal number of animals could be maintained. These are usually called "permits" and I would suggest starting with your animal control to see if that is available. If not, you would probably have to change the ordinance, and would need city council support. Not impossible, but very labor intensive. Susan

It probably depends as much on your neighbors as anything else. If you get along with them and they don't complain, it probably wont be a big deal, unless your neighborhood has had previous problems. I know this isn't a legal answer, but the number of animals isn't a top priority issue with most cities, townships, etc, if there hasn't been an issue before.

I agree with oldearthdog.In my area it mainly depends on the neighbors.When my partner and I bought a house in town there was a three dog bylaw.When we met he had two dogs and I had two and neither of us were about to find a new home for either of them.We moved next to people that were not fond of any animals nevermind large dogs.I think what saved our hide was that all our dogs were Rottweilers and all looked alike to people that didn't know better.We never let them out all together,only two at a time and one or two always came to work with us.I don't think that our neighbors ever clued in that there were any more than three dogs.I have to say that we are responsible dog owners and never allowed our dogs to cause a ruckus in the neighborhood there would never be any reason for animal control to come to our house anyway.Check also what your fine for violating an animal bylaw would be.Where I live it is only
$100 and the officers said that they have never actualy fined anybody or seized a dog for this reason.Bylaws are just that and are not always strictly enforced.Good Luck!

That sounds like the best idea, and most easy. Just ask animal control if they enforce the law.

(there are is more than one animal shelter around as well)

Originally posted by VanCamp:

(there are is more than one animal shelter around as well) Wanna clarify that statement BEFORE I go off on a rant?

Ya, L can dump all her dogs she has now at a kill shelter and start over with a good breed. . .German Shepherds.

Jokes. . .just jokes.

(it was a continuation of a PM conversation, she knows what I'm talking about) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Ok... I kinda wondered with you Vancamp. I am not against people finding homes for dogs that don't work out and their situation doesn't allow them to keep them. On the other hand, people who dump their dogs in shelters without exhausting other options p me off....

Rehoming either of my existing dogs is not an "option" that I would entertain for a second. If it comes down to it, I just won't be able to do K9 SAR until one of mine kicks the bucket, and I can add a second dog. I think that sucks, but it may just be what has to be. I can still do SAR and participate with the dog team, I just won't have my own search dog (but I will have two great pets). Nobody ever told me life was fair. I'm just hoping I can make something work.