Pierce County, WA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Cats over 8 weeks off-premises
- Tag
- Current 'Pierce County' tag
- Licensing agency
- Pierce County Auditor
- License term
- 12 months
- Counts toward
- 5-pet residence cap
Summary
Cats that go off their owner's premises must be licensed and wear a current tag under PCC 6.04.010, issued by the Pierce County Auditor. Cats are subject to the same at-large restraint rules as other animals, and no more than five dogs and cats may be licensed per residence.
Any adult dog or cat which is off the premises of its owner must be licensed and have a current license tag attached to the collar or harness which is worn by the dog or cat.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-515, and legislation passed through May 26, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Pierce County Code treats cats alongside dogs. PCC 6.02.010 defines 'cat' to include female, spayed female, male, and neutered male cats. Under PCC 6.04.010.A, 'any adult dog or cat which is off the premises of its owner must be licensed and have a current license tag attached to the collar or harness.' An unlicensed cat found off-premises may be seized and impounded. Licenses come from the Pierce County Auditor (PCC 6.04.020), run 12 months, and include a metal 'Pierce County' tag. Cats also count toward the residence cap, 'no more than five dogs and/or cats may be individually licensed at a residence' (PCC 6.04.010.B).
Violations & Fines
An unlicensed adult cat off its owner's premises may be seized and impounded, and failing to license is a Class 3 infraction; if a valid license is shown to the District Court, the citation is dismissed without cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats need a license in Pierce County?
Do at-large rules apply to cats?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pierce County
Compare Pierce County to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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