Maine Pet Limit Laws: How Many Pets Can You Own?

Updated October 13, 2026 · 2 min read · 2 sources

Short answer

Maine has no statewide cap on household pets, but keeping 5 or more dogs at one location for breeding, hunting, showing or training makes you a kennel under state law (7 M.R.S. 3907), and breeding kennels with 5 or more adult breeding females, or that sell more than 16 dogs a year, are regulated.

There is no statewide number in Maine that limits how many pets you can own. The practical limits come from city and county codes, kennel and breeder licenses, and your lease or homeowners association.

Maine pet limit rules at a glance

Question Answer
Statewide pet limit? No
Kennel 5+ dogs at one location for breeding, hunting, show or training
Breeding kennel 5+ breeding females or more than 16 sold a year
Boarding kennel 3+ animals boarded for a fee

What Maine law says

  • 7 M.R.S. 3907(17) defines a kennel; selling one litter in 12 months does not by itself make a kennel.
  • A breeding kennel has 5 or more adult breeding females with offspring sold, or sells more than 16 dogs a year (3907(8-A)).
  • Kennel licenses are covered in 3932-B; unlicensed sellers need a vendor's license (3914).

Where pet limits usually come from

  • City and county ordinances. Cities can cap household pets or require a kennel or multi-pet permit above a set number.
  • Zoning rules. Keeping many animals can turn a home into a "kennel" use that is not allowed in residential zones.
  • Leases and HOAs. Landlords and homeowners associations can set lower limits than the law, and many restrict size or breed.
  • Nuisance and cruelty laws. Even without a number cap, barking, odor or poor care can lead to enforcement.

How to check the limit for your address

  1. Search your city code for "animals" or "dogs" and look for a number limit or a kennel permit section.
  2. If you live in an unincorporated area, check the county code instead.
  3. Read your lease or HOA covenants.
  4. Ask local animal services; they also sell dog licenses and can tell you whether a multi-dog or kennel license is needed.

Thinking about adding another pet? Local shelters and rescues can tell you what the adoption process involves; see how adopting a dog or cat works.

Sources

  1. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: Maine dog laws
  2. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: State commercial pet breeder laws

This page summarizes state statutes for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and cities and counties often add their own rules; check the current statute and your local ordinance, or ask a licensed attorney about your situation.

Related questions

Pet limit laws in other states