- Home
- Departments
- Animal Control
- Animal Control Ordinances
- Kennel/Multi-Pet Requirements
Kennel/Multi-Pet Permits
Kennel Ordinance
On April 27, 2010, the Greenville City Council passed an ordinance regulating the number of dogs and cats an individual can have at their home. The ordinance allows a person to possess:
Kennel Ordinance
Pet Permit Application
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new ordinance go into effect?
The new ordinance goes into effect on June 1, 2010. If you are an existing Private Kennel or Multi-Pet Premise prior to June 1, you will have until October 1, 2010, to obtain the necessary permit or otherwise fall into compliance with the regulations. For all NEW Private Kennels or Multi-Pet Premises that exist after June 1, 2010, you have 30 days to comply with the ordinance.
How many pets can are allowed without obtaining a permit?
If all animals are NOT sterilized then the maximum number allowed is three dogs or three cats or a combination of five dogs and cats and one litter of either puppies or kittens. (i.e. a person may have three dogs and two cats, but NOT four dogs and one cat)
If all animals ARE sterilized then the maximum number allowed is four dogs or four cats or a combination of six dogs and cats. (i.e. a person may have three sterilized dogs and three sterilized cats, but NOT five sterilized dogs and one sterilized cat)
What is the purpose of the permit?
The Private Kennel or Multi-Pet permit allows a person, upon approval, to possess more animals than the maximum allowable by ordinance.
What conditions must be met in order to receive a permit?
A Private Kennel Permit allows for one litter on the premises at a time.
Is it permissible to breed multiple dogs or cats at the same time?
No. In order to breed multiple animals at the same time the property must be designated as a Commercial Kennel and is required to comply with all zoning requirements for that type of business. Information on Commercial Kennel zoning and requirements may be obtained from the Community Development Department by calling (903) 457-3160.
Is there an appeal process for a denied permit application?
Yes. An applicant will have 10 days from the denial notification to appeal the decision or to comply with the ordinance. Appeals are heard by the Muncipal Court Judge, whose decision will be final.
What is the consequence of having more animals than allowed by ordinance without a permit?
A citation can be issued for each animal over the limit and for each day the excess animals are on the property.
Will a citation be issued if the Animal Control Office discovers that more animals are on a property than are allowed by ordinance?
The Animal Control Office will allow a person 15 days to apply for a permit or comply with the ordinance before a citation is issued.
What is the fee to obtain a Private Kennel Permit?
Applicants for a Private Kennel Permit must pay a non-refundable $250 application fee and then $100 a year to renew the permit after the first year.
What is the fee to obtain a Multi-Pet Premises Permit?
Applicants for a Multi-Pet Premises Permit must pay a non-refundable $100 application fee and then $20 a year to renew the permit after the first year.
Can a permit be revoked?
Yes. A permit may be revoked for any of the following reasons:
Permits are issued for one year and will expire after a 12-month period.
Can I transfer the permit to another address?
No. Permits are not transferable to any other person, entity or location.
What is the process for applying for a permit?
Complete the Pet Permit Application, then visit the Community Development Department located at 2315 Johnson Street. Applicants will need to provide the following:
Need More Information?
Questions about the Kennel Ordinance, permit process, and requirements may be directed to the Animal Control Office by calling (903) 457-2990.
On April 27, 2010, the Greenville City Council passed an ordinance regulating the number of dogs and cats an individual can have at their home. The ordinance allows a person to possess:
- Three dogs or three cats or a combination of 5 dogs and cats (no more than three of either species)
- Four sterilized dogs or four sterilized cats or a combination of six sterilized dogs and cats (No more than four of each species)
Kennel Ordinance
Pet Permit Application
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new ordinance go into effect?
The new ordinance goes into effect on June 1, 2010. If you are an existing Private Kennel or Multi-Pet Premise prior to June 1, you will have until October 1, 2010, to obtain the necessary permit or otherwise fall into compliance with the regulations. For all NEW Private Kennels or Multi-Pet Premises that exist after June 1, 2010, you have 30 days to comply with the ordinance.
How many pets can are allowed without obtaining a permit?
If all animals are NOT sterilized then the maximum number allowed is three dogs or three cats or a combination of five dogs and cats and one litter of either puppies or kittens. (i.e. a person may have three dogs and two cats, but NOT four dogs and one cat)
If all animals ARE sterilized then the maximum number allowed is four dogs or four cats or a combination of six dogs and cats. (i.e. a person may have three sterilized dogs and three sterilized cats, but NOT five sterilized dogs and one sterilized cat)
What is the purpose of the permit?
The Private Kennel or Multi-Pet permit allows a person, upon approval, to possess more animals than the maximum allowable by ordinance.
What conditions must be met in order to receive a permit?
- A clean and maintained yard
- Adequate housing for each animal
- Adequate fencing to contain the animals
- Proper vaccinations (If applying for a multi-pet premise permit, then documentation from a certified veterinarian is required showing that each animal on the premises is properly sterilized.)
- Have no complaints against the property for nuisance violations or lease law violations
A Private Kennel Permit allows for one litter on the premises at a time.
Is it permissible to breed multiple dogs or cats at the same time?
No. In order to breed multiple animals at the same time the property must be designated as a Commercial Kennel and is required to comply with all zoning requirements for that type of business. Information on Commercial Kennel zoning and requirements may be obtained from the Community Development Department by calling (903) 457-3160.
Is there an appeal process for a denied permit application?
Yes. An applicant will have 10 days from the denial notification to appeal the decision or to comply with the ordinance. Appeals are heard by the Muncipal Court Judge, whose decision will be final.
What is the consequence of having more animals than allowed by ordinance without a permit?
A citation can be issued for each animal over the limit and for each day the excess animals are on the property.
Will a citation be issued if the Animal Control Office discovers that more animals are on a property than are allowed by ordinance?
The Animal Control Office will allow a person 15 days to apply for a permit or comply with the ordinance before a citation is issued.
What is the fee to obtain a Private Kennel Permit?
Applicants for a Private Kennel Permit must pay a non-refundable $250 application fee and then $100 a year to renew the permit after the first year.
What is the fee to obtain a Multi-Pet Premises Permit?
Applicants for a Multi-Pet Premises Permit must pay a non-refundable $100 application fee and then $20 a year to renew the permit after the first year.
Can a permit be revoked?
Yes. A permit may be revoked for any of the following reasons:
- Failure to comply with the provisions of the permit
- Failing an annual inspection
- Conviction of a noise disturbance or public nuisance
- Providing false information
- Conviction of animal cruelty
Permits are issued for one year and will expire after a 12-month period.
Can I transfer the permit to another address?
No. Permits are not transferable to any other person, entity or location.
What is the process for applying for a permit?
Complete the Pet Permit Application, then visit the Community Development Department located at 2315 Johnson Street. Applicants will need to provide the following:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone Number
- Description of the types and numbers of animals on site
- Site plan showing any dog runs, houses, and kennels
- Proposed methods of minimizing the impact on adjacent neighbors
- Proof of rabies vaccination
- Proof of sterilization (for Multi-Pet Premises Permits)
- Pay the permit application fee
Need More Information?
Questions about the Kennel Ordinance, permit process, and requirements may be directed to the Animal Control Office by calling (903) 457-2990.