How Many Dogs or Cats Can You Have in Manitoba?

In the Province of Manitoba, there is no province-wide law limiting the number of pets you can have. However, the city of town in which you live is authorized to create its own animal bylaw. This bylaw can restrict the number of dogs or cats you can have. Most municipalities in Manitoba allow no more than 4 pets per household. In the City of Brandon, for example, you're allowed to have 2 adult cats and/or 2 adult dogs. The Town of Morris allows no more than four animals per household. You can check your city or town's animal bylaw to determine the maximum number of dogs or cats you're allowed to have. Take the following Manitoba municipalities' animal bylaws for example.

Winnipeg

In the City of Winnipeg, dog owners are limited to four dogs per household. On the other hand, cat owners can have up to 6 cats. Households with both cats and dogs are limited to 6 animals, of which no more than four may be dogs. Dogs and cats under the age of six months are exempt from this restriction, according to Winnipeg's Responsible Pet Ownership By-Law. To legally own more than the legal limit of pets, you need to apply for an Excess Animal Permit, the issuance of which is subject to home inspection. All dogs over the age of six months in the City of Winnipeg are required to have a valid dog license. Like dogs, cats over six months of age in the City are required to be licensed. In addition, all cats over the age of six months in Winnipeg are required to be sterilized unless the owner has a valid unsterilized cat license.

Selkirk

Selkirk is a pet-friendly city in Manitoba where By-Law Enforcement Officers go to great lengths to keep families safe and united. And that includes their four-legged family members. According to the City's Responsible Pet Owner By-Law 5358, each household is limited to four companion animals over the age of four months, of which no more than two may be dogs. You can, for example, have 2 cats and 2 dogs or one dog and three cats. An Excess Animal Permit is required to own more than four companion animals in Selkirk. There is a $100 application fee for the Permit, which must be renewed annually for $50. All dogs over four months of age residing in Selkirk are required to have an annual dog license, which is offered by the City at no cost.

Winkler

In Winkler, Manitoba, each household is limited to 2 cats and 2 dogs. This restriction, according to the City's By-Law 2198-18, does not apply to cats and dogs under four months of age. The bylaw requires all dogs over the age of four months to be vaccinated and licensed. Cats and not required to be licensed but they must be vaccinated against rabies. Furthermore, the bylaw requires all cats and dogs to at all times wear a collar to which the vaccination tag is attached.

Portage la Prairie

According to the City of Portage la Prairie's Animal Control By-Law No. 21-8721, each premise is limited to four cats, four dogs, or a combination of both not exceeding a total of four. You need to apply for and obtain an  Excess Animal Permit to own more than 4 dogs or 4 cats in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.

Dauphin

According to the City of Dauphin Animal Services, you may not have more than two dogs and two cats on the same property. All dogs and cats residing in the city of Dauphin are required to have a license, which expires December 31st each year. Proof of rabies vaccination is required to obtain a dog or cat license in the city. For every spayed or neutered dog/cat, the license fee is $30, and $45 for every unsterilized dog/cat. For more information please refer to the City of Dauphin's Animal Control Bylaw 05-2020.