For many residents of large cities, pets are part of the family and bring joy and balance to everyday life. Still, apartment living comes with clear rules of coexistence, especially when it comes to dogs and cats. Although most people assume they can decide for themselves how many animals to keep, the law sets specific limits, and failing to comply can lead to penalties. In Bucharest and other localities across the country, regulations spell out exactly how many animals may be kept in an apartment and what obligations owners have.

Clear rules for pets in apartments

Many people living in apartment buildings don’t realize that the number of pets allowed in a flat is regulated by the authorities. While dogs and cats may be kept in multi-unit housing, there are clear limits on their number. In Bucharest and other major cities, local rules state that an apartment may have a maximum of two pets—two dogs or two cats.

This rule is meant to prevent situations where neighbors are disturbed by noise or unpleasant odors, and to maintain a minimum standard of hygiene and comfort for all residents. In practice, if a family wants to have more animals, the law does not allow it in collective housing.

A recent case in Cluj-Napoca, where a resident complained that a neighbor was keeping a rooster and hens in an apartment, brought the issue of poor public awareness back into focus. While the law strictly forbids keeping large farm animals or poultry in apartment buildings, in the case of dogs and cats a small limit is accepted.

What the law says about dogs and cats in apartment buildings

According to local regulations and national animal-protection legislation, there is a clear exception for pets. Article 3 of a city council decision used as a model in many towns states: “the keeping of farm animals and poultry within apartment-building perimeters is prohibited, with the exception of pets—dogs and cats—but no more than two specimens.”

Therefore, each apartment may host at most two dogs or two cats. If an owner exceeds this limit, sanctions may apply. Fines are issued especially when neighbors file complaints, and the authorities may require the relocation of any animals beyond the permitted number.

In addition to this rule, pet owners have other obligations: spaying/neutering, microchipping of dogs, using a collar and muzzle in public spaces when required, and cleaning up pet waste in public areas. Otherwise, fines range from 1,500 to 3,000 lei.

What owners risk if they don’t comply

Exceeding the two-animal limit isn’t the only issue owners may face. Homeowners’ associations have the right to set additional rules, and in some cases there have been debates about adding pets to shared maintenance fees on the grounds that they consume water or electricity. Although there is no national law imposing such a fee, an association’s bylaws can add provisions, which has caused frustration among many residents.

Tenants also often face additional restrictions. Many landlords do not accept pets; where they do, they may ask for extra deposits or require the tenant to cover any damage.

Why these rules matter

These legal rules on keeping animals in apartments were not introduced to restrict people’s right to love and care for pets, but to ensure civil coexistence. In confined spaces, noise, smells, or poor hygiene can quickly become sources of conflict between neighbors.

Law no. 205/2004 on the protection of animals, together with local decisions, establishes that pet owners must respect both their animals’ needs and their neighbors’ right to peace and comfort. For that reason, the maximum number of dogs or cats allowed in an apartment is two.

In short, those living in apartment buildings in Bucharest and other cities should know the rules are clear: you may keep at most two dogs or two cats. Following these rules not only helps you avoid fines but also contributes to maintaining a balanced atmosphere in urban communities.