Household Pets
- Pet ownership is limited to not more than three (3) adult dogs and three (3) adult
cats.
- Dogs must be licensed through the county. Licenses for "fixed"
(neutered/spade) dogs are $6.00. Licenses for animals that are not fixed are $27.00.
- Barking dogs are regulated by the City’s Noise Ordinance, which is enforced by
the police. Officers handle calls in order of priority - safety issues are handled before
nuisance issues, so you may not get an immediate response. In addition, the officer has to
witness the dog barking. We urge you to try to talk to the owner of the dog(s) before you
call the police.
- You may not keep a wild animal as a pet in the City, unless you are affiliated
with a bona fide circus or carnival.
- You may not keep livestock as pets in the City, unless you are affiliated with a
bona fide stable.
Cruelty/Neglect
- Cruelty and neglect cases have to be investigated. These issues are dealt with by Animal
Control or the Humane Society.
- The law indicates that feeding and watering pets once every 24 hours is sufficient care
for them. Adequate housing includes anything with sides and a roof that the animal can get
underneath for shelter.
- If animals are in a house, officials may not force entry to investigate without the
owner’s permission.
Animal Waste
- The City regulates animal waste through the "Pooper-Scooper" law, which is
enforced by the police department.
- Animal waste which creates unsanitary conditions for humans is addressed in the
City’s Property Maintenance Code, which is enforced by the City’s Housing
Inspectors.
Animal Control
- Muskegon County’s Animal Control department picks up stray and injured
animals. They also quarantine animals that have bitten someone. The City Police
Department may also hold an animal that has bitten someone if Animal Control is not
available.
- Animal Control will pick up dead animals that are not in the road. The
City’s Department of Public Works will pick up dead animals that are in
the road.
- Animal Control will care for injured animals (including wildlife).
- If you have problems with wild animals, Animal Control may be able to help.
- Animal Control may get involved in animal waste cases if there is
suspicion that the animal has been neglected.
Humane Society
- The Humane Society is a non-profit entity dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals,
and to promoting pet adoption. It is a separate entity from Animal Control.
- The Humane Society will care for sick, injured and neglected animals (including
wildlife).
- The Humane Society will take pets which are given up by their owners. They
will not
take stray animals.
Enforcement
- City officials, as well as County officials, can issue tickets for ordinance violations.
- Fines for violating the City ordinances regarding animals can range from $25 to $100 for
the first offense, $50 to $200 for the second offense, and $100 to $500 for the third
offense.
Contacts:
- For barking dogs or animal bites:
City of Muskegon Police Department
724-6750.
- For animal waste:
City of Muskegon
Neighborhood/Construction Services
724-6715
- For violation of number of animals:
City of Muskegon Zoning Adnimistration
724-6702
- For stray animals, bites, cruelty issues:
Muskegon County Animal Control
1300 Keating
724-6007
- For cruelty/neglect issues, pet adoption:
Humane Society & Animal Rescue of Muskegon
2640 Marquette
773-8689
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