Cities of Omaha, Bellevue, Village of Waterloo Pet Avocation Permit Information

The Pet Avocation permit was designed to allow those who are responsible pet owners to have up to 5 dogs and up to 6 cats in Omaha and Waterloo and 5 dogs and 1 cat or up to 5 cats and 1 dog in Bellevue. 
No one, however, may have more than 8 total animals in Omaha/ Waterloo or 6 total animals in Bellevue, unless they have a kennel, pre-existing cattery permit or commercial cattery permit.

If you would like to apply for a Pet Avocation permit, you must:

1.  Submit an application online here, or in person or by e-mail here

2.  Pay a one time inspection fee of $100 at time of application. *Please note this fee is non-refundable once the inspection has been completed.

3.  Schedule the inspection when contacted by the Animal Control Officer  This could take as long as 4 weeks depending on demand. 

4.  Meet the requirements of the inspection and comply with all city ordinances relating to the animals (see standards below)

5.  On the annual anniversary of your permit, it is your responsibility to pay the annual renewal fee of $50 **You will receive a notification postcard annually**

While you hold a Pet Avocation permit, should you be found guilty of any violation of Chapter 6, the permit will be revoked.  Avocational premises shall be maintained with clean and safe conditions at all times.  The Nebraska Humane Society has the right to inspect such premises and all the animals therein at reasonable hours to ascertain that the premises are kept in the aforementioned condition and meet prescribed standards. 

Standards for a Pet Avocation permit:

• All animals owned, kept, possessed or harbored under a Pet Animal Avocation permit must be licensed as required by Chapter 6.  Proof of individual license on each animal must be provided at time of inspection. 
• All animals owned, kept, possessed or harbored under a Pet Animal Avocation permit must be vaccinated against rabies.  Proof of individual rabies vaccinations on each pet must be provided at the time of inspection.
• Each animal shall, at least every 24 hours, receive food suitable for the species, physical condition and safe - sufficient to maintain adequate level of nutrition. 
• Must have clean, fresh, potable water available at all times.
• Indoor housing shall provide adequate ventilation, lighting temperature control and construction so as to provide for the safety and comfort of the animals.
• Each animal shall receive care and medical treatment for debilitating injuries, parasites, and disease sufficient to maintain the animal in good health and to minimize suffering. 
• Animals shall be maintained predominantly indoors. 
• Premises where an avocational permit include dogs shall provide a fenced enclosure sufficient to contain any dogs while outside. 
• All areas of premises inspected for Pet Avocation permit shall be made open and available for inspection by the Nebraska Humane Society.

Apply online for a Pet Avocation permit here

Questions?  E-mail our helpful permit staff here, or call 402-444-7800 ext. 2213.