How many dogs or cats you can keep in Kent
How many dogs or cats can I keep in Kent?
Short answer
In Kent, a property can have no more than 3 dogs and 3 cats over four months old, within a combined limit of 5 pets. The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) sets this rule. Zoning can allow more, such as a licensed kennel.
Key facts
| Dogs allowed | No more than 3 dogs over four months old on a property, within a combined limit of 5 pets.FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw No. 1206, 2013 (consolidated), Part D · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingmore than a total of 5 pets consisting of not more than three dogs or not more than three cats over the age of 4 months |
|---|---|
| Cats allowed | No more than 3 cats over four months old on a property, within a combined limit of 5 pets.FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw No. 1206, 2013 (consolidated), Part D · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingnot more than three dogs or not more than three cats over the age of 4 months |
| Other animal limits | No more than 5 pets in total on any real property. 'Pet' excludes exotic animals, wildlife, livestock and poultry, which have their own rules.FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw No. 1206, 2013 (consolidated), Part D; Part B · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingA person must not keep or allow to be kept on any real property more than a total of 5 any common domesticated animal other than exotic animals, wildlife, livestock or poultry kept within a residence or on real property |
| Exceptions | The limit does not apply where zoning allows more. Zoning allows a licensed kennel (six or more dogs or cats kept for a fee) in some zones, such as A, RR1, RR2, RR3 and RL, on a lot of at least 0.5 ha (1.2 acres). Animals under four months are not counted.FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw No. 1206, 2013 (consolidated), Part D; District of Kent Zoning Bylaw No. 1219, 2001 (consolidated October 6, 2025), s. 7.15.1; District of Kent Zoning Bylaw No. 1219, 2001 (consolidated October 6, 2025), Definitions · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingexcept as permitted pursuant to applicable zoning or other regulations A kennel shall not be permitted on a lot smaller than 0.5ha (1.2 acres) in area. whatsoever and charges a fee, for certainty, shall specifically include any where six (6) or more dogs or cats are |
| Fine | Bylaw notice $100 ($90 early, $110 late) for excess pets.FVRD Bylaw Offence Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1415, 2017 (consolidated), Schedule A-3, Animal Control, s. D · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingExcess Pets $100 $90 $110 |
| Bylaw | Fraser Valley Regional District Animal Control Regulation Bylaw No. 1206, 2013, Part DFVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw No. 1206, 2013 (consolidated), Title · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingFraser Valley Regional District Animal Control Regulation Bylaw No. 1206, 2013 |
How it works
The FVRD runs animal control in Kent. Its Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206 allows no more than 3 dogs and no more than 3 cats over four months old on a property, and no more than 5 pets in total. Animals under four months old are not counted. "Pet" does not include exotic animals, wildlife, livestock or poultry, which have their own rules.
Good to know
- The limit does not apply where zoning allows more. The Zoning Bylaw 1219 allows a licensed kennel (six or more dogs or cats kept for a fee) in some zones, such as A, RR1, RR2, RR3 and RL, on a lot of at least 0.5 ha (1.2 acres).
- Having too many pets is a bylaw notice of $100 ($90 if paid within 14 days, $110 if paid after 28 days).
- Each dog four months or older also needs a licence. See the dog licence answer.
- Check which zone your lot is in with the District of Kent planning department at 604-796-2235.
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Harrison Hot Springs · Chilliwack · Hope · Abbotsford · Mission · Maple Ridge
Sources
- FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw No. 1206, 2013 (consolidated) (PDF) (read 2026-11-06)
- District of Kent Zoning Bylaw No. 1219, 2001 (consolidated October 6, 2025) (PDF) (read 2026-11-06)
- FVRD Bylaw Offence Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1415, 2017 (consolidated) (PDF) (read 2026-11-06)
- Bylaw Enforcement, District of Kent (read 2026-11-06)
Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. How answers are checked.