Columbia Limitation upon number of dogs and cats kept ordinance (§ 5-60)
Chapter 5: Animals and Fowl · Article III. Dogs, Cats and Other Animals
In short: No one may keep more than four dogs or cats combined, over six months old, at one location in the city. Exceptions: lawfully operated commercial kennels, kennels tied to a small animal hospital, the city pound, and registered caretakers of feral cats.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
No person shall, at any time, keep, harbor or own, at one location within the city, more than a total of four (4) dogs or cats over the age of six (6) months. This provision shall not apply to a lawfully operated commercial kennel, a kennel maintained in connection with a small animal hospital, the city pound or persons in their role as registered caretakers of feral cats.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 5-60
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.