Audrey Sanchez considers herself to be an “animal lover.” She and her husband have adopted two dogs, rescued a cat and are currently in process of becoming a foster home for the shelter.
But because she lives in Overland Park, in order to either foster dogs or have more than two, she needs to apply for a permit, which she is trying to change. According to Sanchez, the ordinance is preventing families from fostering and adopting dogs.
“The rescue situation is dire. There is great need and there will never be enough resources, enough people to adequately care for every dog or every cat in the shelter,” Sanchez told 41 Action News. ”To me, what I hear is [the city is] willing to let animals stay in the shelter and suffer."
Overland Park limits households to two dogs and/or two cats.
Why is there a need for an animal ordinance?
According to Overland Park’s city clerk, Marian Cook, the ordinance helps prevent several things, including the spread of rabies and cases of hoarding.
“The community has determined that two dogs and two cats is really adequate in a city situation where you have a lot of people living together. Sometimes more than that causes a nuisance,” said Cook.
Can you apply to have more dogs in city limits?
For households that want to have more than two dogs and/or two cats, Cook said they need to apply for special animal permits. The application can be completed at City Hall and, if approved, costs $100 for the first year and $50 each renewal year. Learn more here.
What are animal ordinances in other cities?
- Kansas City, Mo.: maximum of 4 pets
- Independence: maximum of 4 pets
- Prairie Village: maximum of 4 pets, no more than 3 of each
- Lee Summit: maximum of 3 pets
- Shawnee: maximum of 2 dogs and/or 2 cats
- Overland Park: maximum of 2 dogs and/or 2 cats
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