Cape Town pet owners could face stricter leash rules, new identification requirements for dogs and shorter holding periods for animals picked up by the City under proposed changes to the Animal Keeping By-law.
The City of Cape Town has published its draft Animal Keeping By-law for 2026, which is open for public comment until 29 September 2026.
Many of the existing rules from the 2021 by-laws remain in place, including limits on the number of pets allowed at residential properties.
But there are several proposed changes dog and cat owners need to know about, particularly around leashes, identification and what happens when an animal is picked up.
How many pets are you allowed to have?
The existing limits on the number of pets allowed at residential properties remain unchanged in the 2026 draft.
The limits are:
- Flats and dwelling units: Maximum of two dogs
- Houses: Maximum of three to four dogs, depending on property size
- Large houses and farmhouses: Up to six dogs
- Cats: Maximum of four cats on any residential property and six on farms
If you want to keep more animals than the permitted number, you need to apply to the City for a permit.
The City is permitted to charge an application fee, although it has not done so to date.
Your dog will need to be identifiable
One of the proposed changes involves the identification of dogs.
Under the previous rules, microchipping was compulsory for cats.
The new draft expands identification requirements to dogs, with every dog required to be microchipped or wear a collar with a name tag displaying the owner’s contact details.
There is an important distinction if your dog ends up at the pound.
If you reclaim your dog, microchipping will be compulsory before the animal is returned to you.
Dogs could need a leash in all public places
Dog owners also need to pay attention to the proposed changes to leash rules.
Previously, dogs were required to be on a leash in specific places identified by the City.
The new draft proposes reversing that approach.
Dogs would need to be kept on a leash in all public places by default unless the City has specifically designated the area for free-running dogs.
For owners accustomed to allowing their dogs off-leash in public spaces that aren’t specifically restricted, this would represent an important change.
Want more pets? Your neighbours could have a say
Pet owners applying for permission to keep more than the allowed number of animals could also face an additional requirement.
Under the draft by-law, the City would formally be able to request written support from at least two adjacent neighbours as part of a permit application.
What happens if your pet is picked up?
The proposed by-law reduces the amount of time animals will be held after being picked up by the City.
For small animals, including dogs and cats, the holding period would drop from 10 days to seven days.
For large animals, it would decrease from 30 days to 21 days.
If an animal isn’t claimed within the applicable period, it can be rehomed.
For dog owners, remember that a dog reclaimed from the pound would need to be microchipped before being returned.
What about barking and nuisance complaints?
Rules around animals causing a nuisance remain in place.
If your dog barks continuously or your pet causes a nuisance, neighbours can report the matter.
The City can issue a compliance order and, if the problem isn’t addressed, the owner can face a fine.
Rules for dangerous animals remain
A special permit is still required to keep a declared dangerous dog or breed.
Owners must display clear signage at the property and ensure the animal cannot escape.
Wild animals also remain prohibited without a separate nature conservation permit.
Officials entering private property
The draft also formalises the process officials must follow when entering private property.
If an owner refuses entry, officials must apply for a warrant from a Magistrate.
Warrantless entry remains permitted under the Criminal Procedure Act where officials believe an animal is in danger.
The proposed wording formalises the process and provides a clearer route for challenging an entry.
Other proposed changes pet owners should know
The draft contains several other changes:
- Using dogs for hunting activities would be banned.
- Sellers and breeders would require formal permits.
- Animals kept for cultural or religious slaughter could be kept for up to 48 hours before slaughter, compared with the previous 12-hour period, but neighbours would need to be formally notified.
Cape Town residents have until 29 September to comment
These changes aren’t final yet.
The Animal Keeping By-law remains a draft and is open for public participation until 29 September 2026.
Cape Town residents who have concerns about the proposed rules, or who support the changes, have an opportunity to submit their comments to the City before the public participation period closes.
For dog owners, some of the most significant proposals are likely to be the default leash requirement, identification rules and shorter seven-day holding period for animals picked up by the City.
With the by-law still in draft form, now is the time for pet owners to understand what is being proposed and have their say.
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