City of Shawnee

FAQs: Animals

 

Do I need to license my dog(s) and/or cat(s)?

No. The City does not require dogs and cats to be licensed. All dogs and cats must have valid rabies vaccinations.

Can I keep any animals other than dogs and cats without a permit?

In residentially zoned areas, the following animals may be kept inside your home without a permit:

    • 1-6 ferrets and/or small rodents, including but not limited to, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice.
    • 1-6 exotic cage birds housed in-doors.
    • 1-4 adult rabbits.

Are any animals prohibited in the City?

Yes. It is against the law in Shawnee to keep:

    • Apes, gorillas, monkeys, and chimpanzees
    • Lions, tigers, leopards, or panthers
    • Raccoons
    • Bears
    • Ostriches
    • Skunks
    • Coyotes, wolves, or foxes
    • Any animal with poisonous bites
    • Llamas are not considered an exotic animal and are allowed, but require a minimum of 5 acres
    • This list is not all-inclusive

What do I do if my animal has been impounded?

The City of Shawnee uses Great Plains SPCA for impoundment. Great Plains SPCA is located at 5424 Antioch, Merriam, Kansas, (913) 742-7329.

What do I do if I think my animal is lost?

Please check with Great Plains SPCA's Lost Pet Center, located at 5424 Antioch, Merriam, Kansas, (913) 742-7329. The shelter is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Please note that ALL pets reclaimed from the Lost Pet Center must leave the building leashed and collared. You may bring your own leach or purchase them on-site.

Does the City of Shawnee have a leash law?

Yes. It is against the law to let your dog be at large or be a public nuisance at any time in Shawnee. Your dog must be confined to your premises except when both you and your animal are off the premises together and the animal is on a leash, in a cage, or in a car or other conveyance.

Is it legal for my dog to run in the park?

Yes, it is legal for your dog to run in the park as long as the dog is on a leash and under the owner's control. The City does not have dog runs in the municipal parks.

The Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department has an off leash area in Shawnee Mission Park located east of the observation tower on John Barkley Drive, the 53-acre off-leash area features a dog swim area and wood chip and natural surface trails through grassland and wooded areas. You may access the area by turning left at the 87th Street entrance to the park.